Viral Claim: The election commission of India, Tweeted “It has come to our notice that the following FAKE NEWS is circulating on some WhatsApp groups.”

Facts Check: True

Viral News in Social Media Twitter / Facebook / WhatsApp / Others Examples:

It has come to our notice that the following FAKE NEWS is circulating on some WhatsApp groups. It is clarified that you can only apply for voter registration online through http://nvsp.in  portal

Facts Check Analysis The Election Commission (EC) of India, lodged a police complaint against unknown persons for spreading “fake news” on the whatsapp that non-resident Indians (NRIs) are allowed to vote online in the coming 2019 Lok Sabha elections. It called it fake news.

According to estimates of the ministry of external affairs,  there are 3.10 crore NRI’s leaving abroad.

The ECI said its logo was used on social media to “mislead” people. The fake news was in violation of IPC Section 505 dealing with rumour-mongering and attempts to spread alarm among people.

Sheyphali Sharan,  Official Spokesperson, Election Commission of India, posted on twitter the below information

It has come to our notice that the following FAKE NEWS is circulating on some WhatsApp groups.

It is clarified that you can only apply for voter registration online through http://nvsp.in  portal

It has come to our notice that the following FAKE NEWS is circulating on some WhatsApp groups.
It is clarified that you can only apply for voter registration online through https://t.co/oC8AwgyIdK portal pic.twitter.com/OTxjb1zFbA

— Sheyphali Sharan (@SpokespersonECI) February 21, 2019

To cast vote, an Overseas voter may come to his/her designated Polling station with Passport as document for identification.

To cast vote, an Overseas voter may come to his/her designated Polling station with Passport as document for identification.

— Sheyphali Sharan (@SpokespersonECI) February 21, 2019

There is no online voting facility for any category of voter. Overseas Indians may submit application for enrolment in form 6A online at http://nvsp.in  or by using Voter helpline mobile app.

There is no online voting facility for any category of voter. Overseas Indians may submit application for enrolment in form 6A online at https://t.co/oC8Awgh6Pa or by using Voter helpline mobile app. pic.twitter.com/kLpPifVjWA

— Sheyphali Sharan (@SpokespersonECI) February 22, 2019

As follow up action, written to DCP New Delhi District to lodge FIR & investigate the matter of fake news, relating to voting by NRIs using ECI logo, currently in circulation on WhatsApp.

As follow up action, written to DCP New Delhi District to lodge FIR & investigate the matter of fake news, relating to voting by NRIs using ECI logo, currently in circulation on WhatsApp pic.twitter.com/2JpvRcAbzQ

— Sheyphali Sharan (@SpokespersonECI) February 22, 2019

A bill to extend proxy voting rights to NRIs was passed in the Lok Sabha recently, but it is pending in the Rajya Sabha. It is set to lapse on the dissolution of the present Lok Sabha on June 3.