The Supreme Court has issued a notice on a PIL seeking voting rights for nearly 5 lakh undertrial prisoners across India.
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NEW DELHI: In a development, Advocate Prashant Bhushan filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court, seeking voting rights for undertrial prisoners across India. According to the petition, the issue affects nearly 5 lakh undertrials, a substantial population currently excluded from participating in the democratic process.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) issued a notice, signaling that the matter will be examined at the apex court level.
Under current Indian law, convicted prisoners are barred from voting, but undertrials, those awaiting trial, are technically innocent until proven guilty. Advocates argue that denying them the vote raises questions about equality and fundamental democratic rights.
If the court grants the PIL, it could lead to major reforms, ensuring that even citizens behind bars, who have not been convicted, are able to exercise their franchise. With nearly half a million undertrial prisoners nationwide, their enfranchisement could influence discussions on electoral representation, civil rights, and prison reforms.
Bench:
Justice BR Gavai and Justice Vinod Chandran
Case Title:
SUNITA SHARMA V UNION OF INDIA AND ANR
W.P.(C) No. 909/2025