Today (16th April): The Madras High Court rejected a PIL challenging the BJP candidate’s nomination from Tirunelveli, citing lateness for relief. The petitioner alleged violations of electoral laws and concealment of a pending criminal case. The court advised the petitioner to approach the Election Commission earlier and again, if necessary. The nomination controversy continues.
On Monday(15th April), Madras High Court has directed the Election Commission to respond to DMK’s petition challenging the rejection of campaign video pre-certification. The DMK seeks redressal over the rejection of their advertisements, claiming unfair treatment compared to other parties. The court’s decision will impact the electoral campaign’s use of audiovisual content for political messages.
Today(on 15th April), the Supreme Court of India rejected a petition to provide voting facilities for 18,000 internally-displaced persons in Manipur, citing potential disruption to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The displaced individuals sought to participate in the elections despite residing outside Manipur due to ethnic conflict. The decision raises concerns about their access to the democratic process and underscores the need for comprehensive measures to address the underlying issues in Manipur.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has ordered the Election Commission of India (ECI) to disclose information about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). This decision followed a second appeal by retired civil servant MG Devasahayam. The ECI must provide the requested data within 30 days. Compliance with the order is mandatory.
Today(on 8th April), Tamil Nadu government raised concerns before Madras High Court regarding Election Commission’s ban on school children in political gatherings. Advocate General PS Raman cited PM Modi’s roadshow as reference. The case involves allegations against a school principal under the JJ Act. The court suspended the investigation until the final hearing on April 24.
The Supreme Court Today (April 4th) instructed the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to enhance the visibility of disclaimers in its election advertisements. This directive aims to ensure clarity regarding the use of the NCP’s clock symbol, indicating that it is contingent upon the outcome of a pending court case before the apex court.
On Tuesday (2nd April): The DMK filed writ petitions with the Madras High Court concerning EVM issues before the Lok Sabha elections, alleging that the presence of a printer between the Balloting Unit and Control Unit compromises data integrity. The party expressed concerns about the Election Commission of India’s oversight and transparency in decision-making. Additionally, a petition challenges the ECI’s guideline on VVPAT verification.
Today (27th March): Former Finance Secretary Subhash Garg criticized the State Bank of India for compromising the anonymity of electoral bond purchases. He highlighted that the recording of alphanumeric codes goes against the scheme’s intent. The Supreme Court’s involvement revealed connections between bond buyers and political parties, leading to doubts about transparency. Garg urges the Election Commission of India to ensure complete transparency.
The Supreme Court’s recent invalidation of the electoral bonds scheme highlights the balance between privacy and transparency in political funding. The decision emphasizes the crucial role of judicial review in safeguarding fundamental rights and underscores the significance of public access to information about political contributions. This ruling signifies the evolving nature of law and democracy.
Today (20th March): The Allahabad High Court has requested responses from major political parties to a plea seeking to ban caste-based rallies. The PIL, filed in 2013, aims to enforce a total prohibition on such rallies and remove political entities involved from official listings. The Election Commission expressed its inability to enforce a ban during non-election periods. The next hearing is scheduled for April 10.