The Union government told the Supreme Court that voting is a statutory right under the RPA, 1951, while freedom of voting is a fundamental expression under Article 19(1)(a). This expressive freedom, including NOTA, applies only when a poll occurs, making it irrelevant in uncontested elections.
Click to View MoreThe Bombay High Court questioned Maharashtra’s Election Commission for holding local polls without VVPATs, citing concerns over electoral transparency. Responding to a petition alleging violation of free and fair elections, the court sought justification for the SEC’s “logistical constraints,” prompting a review of voter rights and accountability.
Click to View MoreAn ADR report exposed major transparency gaps, revealing 59% of Bihar’s Registered Unrecognised Political Parties failed to submit financial disclosures for FY 2023–24. This violation of the Representation of the People Act underscores rising financial opacity and accountability issues in Indian elections.
Click to View MoreThe Model Code of Conduct is a consensus-based guideline enforced by the Election Commission to ensure fair elections. Originating in Kerala, it regulates parties, prevents misuse of state power, and maintains neutrality. Its voluntary nature and digital-era challenges highlight the need for stronger legal backing and reforms.
Click to View MoreThe Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision reflects its commitment to clean and inclusive elections. Mandated by the Representation of the People Act, 1950, it ensures accurate voter rolls by removing ineligible entries, adding eligible citizens, and addressing demographic shifts—strengthening the integrity of India’s democratic process.
Click to View MoreDynastic politics in India arises from a lack of party democracy and high election costs, favoring "dynasts" for their brand value and electoral success. This trend, reinforced by social hierarchies, undermines meritocracy, equal opportunity, and the quality of governance, preventing ordinary citizens from participating effectively in the political process.
Click to View MoreDynastic politics in India arises from a lack of party democracy and high election costs, favoring "dynasts" for their brand value and electoral success. This trend, reinforced by social hierarchies, undermines meritocracy, equal opportunity, and the quality of governance, preventing ordinary citizens from participating effectively in the political process.
Click to View MoreThe Election Commission of India allocates fair broadcast time on Doordarshan and All India Radio to recognized parties, based on performance, ensuring balanced voter access. Rooted in the Representation of the People Act, 1951, this upholds fairness, equality, and democratic principles.
Click to View MoreThe Election Commission of India ensures electoral integrity through structured forms under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. Forms 6, 6A, 7, and 8 empower citizens to register, update, or correct voter details, ensuring transparent, accurate, and inclusive electoral rolls for a robust democracy.
Click to View MoreThe Supreme Court has ruled that Aadhaar, a voter ID system, is a valid proof of identity but not citizenship, following a petition for voter list revision in Bihar. The ruling upholds the voluntary nature of the Aadhaar-Voter ID link, ensuring privacy and preventing disenfranchisement, demonstrating judicial oversight.
Click to View MoreSimultaneous elections propose holding Lok Sabha and State Assembly polls together to reduce costs, ensure policy continuity, and improve governance. While historically practiced, re-implementation faces constitutional and logistical hurdles. A Parliamentary committee is currently examining its feasibility, and the Lok Sabha recently granted an extension for the committee to submit its report.
Click to View MoreThe Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has ended, potentially exempting 65.2 lakh voters. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is working to ensure voter inclusion, remove ineligibles, eliminate duplicates, and correct errors. To improve SIR, ECI should accept accessible identification documents and improve data sharing.
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