The Electoral Commission wants to increase the maximum number of voters in polling stations from 1,200 to 1,500, and this decision has started to be opposed.
Protests have begun against the decision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to increase the maximum number of voters in each polling station from 1,200 to 1,500. The notification issued by the Election Commission in this regard has been challenged in the Supreme Court . A PIL has been filed protesting against the saying that due to increase in the number of voters at polling stations, many challenges will arise for voters. Let us know what arguments have been given in court against the Election Commission’s decision?
In the PIL filed before the bench of Supreme Court Justice Sanjeev Khanna, Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice R Mahadevan, it has been said that increasing the maximum number of voters at each polling station to 1,500 means voters are being disenfranchised. of the act of voting. . Is.
Senior advocate Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing before the court on behalf of the petitioner social activist, argued before the court that such a controversial decision will exclude some disadvantaged groups from the electoral process as they will not be able to find time to vote. .
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Instructions for submitting a copy of the petition to the commission
Without intimating any of the parties, the court has issued directions that an advance copy of the petition should be given to the appointed or permanent advocate of the Election Commission. Through this, they will be able to obtain instructions on the factual situation and will be able to be present in court on the next hearing date. This matter was included in the week beginning December 2, 2024.
Supreme Court
Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued
Singhvi read clause 7.4 (iii) of the Election Commission communication issued by the Election Commission on August 7, 2024 in the court. He argued that if there are up to 1,500 voters in a polling station, then it would not be logical. If the number exceeds 1,500, a new polling station will need to be built. He also cited some newspaper reports. These reports claim that voters are discouraged due to long lines/waiting periods and bad weather.
Justice commented
Hearing Singhvi’s arguments, Justice Khanna remarked that even the Election Commission would not want voters to be discouraged. He said he would like to see more and more voters exercise their right to vote. Furthermore, the time required for voting should be reduced as much as possible. Furthermore, the court refused to issue a notice at this stage of the petition. He told Singhvi to submit the advance copy of the petition to the Commission.
The number of voters had decreased during the Corona period
During the assembly elections held during the Corona period, arrangements were made for 1,200 electors to cast their votes at one booth. After putting an end to this, the Election Commission has once again directed the district administration to implement the old system. As before, once again 1,500 voters will be able to vote at a polling station. With this decision the number of stands will also be reduced.
Petition under Article 32 of the Constitution
A petition has been filed against this decision under Article 32 of the Constitution. In the petition it has been said that this issue is related to the entire country. It is also related to Maharashtra, Bihar and Delhi, where elections will be held soon. The petitioner maintains that the decision to increase the number of voters at each polling station is not supported by any data. When advocate Singhvi insisted before the court that immediate relief was necessary, Justice Khanna said that earlier too the Election Commission had made its stand clear on the time taken to cast the vote. The petitioner should investigate this as well.
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