Today, On 18th November, the Bombay High Court upheld the ban on mobile phones inside polling booths, asserting its legality. A PIL argued for phone use for identity verification via the DigiLocker app but was dismissed. The court emphasized that the ban supports election integrity and prevents misuse of technology, marking it as constitutional.
A Supreme Court petition challenges the Election Commission of India’s decision to raise the maximum voters per polling booth to 1,500. Advocates argue this limits voting access and propose reducing the number to 1,200, enhancing accessibility. The case highlights significant concerns about electoral fairness and democratic processes in India.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has petitioned the Bombay High Court to release seized Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and annul results from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency, citing fraudulent practices by BJP’s Narayan Rane. The ECI seeks fresh elections amidst allegations of election law violations affecting voter integrity and candidate fairness.
Former BJP MLA Baba Gorakhnath Today (Oct 16) moved the Allahabad High Court to withdraw his petition challenging the election of Samajwadi Party leader Awadhesh Prasad from the Milkipur assembly constituency in the 2022 election. The Milkipur seat has fallen vacant following Prasad’s election to Lok Sabha. The Election Commission on Tuesday announced bypolls to nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh but left out Milkipur due to proceedings in the matter before the Lucknow bench of the court.
The Supreme Court Today (Sept 6) refused to entertain a plea seeking injunction against Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) to restrain them from using ‘kamal’ or lotus as the party symbol. In March this year, Madras High Court also had dismissed a plea seeking directions to the ECI to cancel the allotment of the lotus flower symbol to the BJP.
![[AAP vs BJP] "Preservation of Each EVM’s Data Will Cost Rs 40,000": ECI Tells Delhi HC](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SFNJRYKYK.jpg?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Preservation of each EVM’s data will cost Rs 40,000, the Election Commission of India (ECI) informed the Delhi High Court Yesterday (Sept 4) during a hearing on a plea filed by AAP MLA Somnath Bharti challenging the election of BJP’s Bansuri Swaraj to the Lok Sabha earlier this year. When pointed out that with 1,490 such machines, the cost of preserving them would come to around Rs 6 crore, Bharti informed the court that he doesn’t “have that kind of money.”
The Supreme Court today dismissed the PIL alleging ECI’s EVM misuse, deeming the allegations vague and an abuse of legal process. The Bench advised filing election petitions with the High Court for election-related concerns, criticizing the lack of evidence in the petition. The plea for a high-powered committee to investigate ECI’s actions was also rejected.
Today, On 5th August, The Supreme Court dismissed a PIL challenging the use of body parts as political symbols, noting the plea’s specific aim at the Indian National Congress hand symbol. The court emphasized the Election Commission’s authority in symbol allocation, affirming the importance of symbols in the electoral process and judicial restraint in such matters, while upholding established norms.
Today, On 3rd June, The Calcutta High Court directed the Election Commission of India to appoint counting staff for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in strict accordance with guidelines. This decision comes in response to a petition filed by a BJP candidate, highlighting the importance of ensuring a fair and transparent counting process in line with electoral authorities’ guidelines.
The TNCC lawyers filed an urgent motion with the ECI to prevent PM Modi from exploiting his official position during a spiritual visit to Vivekananda Rock. They fear political exploitation and seek fair conduct amid concerns over proximity to the Parliamentary elections. The petition emphasizes the need to maintain the sanctity of religious spaces and prevent the influence of partisan politics.
