India, Nov. 13 -- A large number of Form 7 applications filed by Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and private complainants seeking the deletion of voters' names have been withdrawn or rejected during scrutiny in Mumbai and adjoining constituencies as the Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered action against those filing false objections during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

People familiar with the matter said instances of withdrawing Form 7 applications came after the Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) told Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to place the burden of proof on complainants and initiate criminal action against false filings. The first FIR was registered in Dharavi three weeks ago.

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