The Supreme Court will hear later today a crucial Presidential Reference on delays by Governors and the President in acting on State Bills. Kerala and Tamil Nadu oppose it as “not maintainable.”
NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leaders have approached the Supreme Court. They have filed a petition requesting that the Election Commission of India (ECI) be directed to upload Form 17C on its official website immediately after polling concludes.Form 17C provides important details about the number of votes cast at each polling station. The public interest litigation (PIL) also seeks an urgent interim order from the Supreme Court, directing the Election Commission to upload Form 17C for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 and all future elections without delay.
Today (May 23rd): Kapil Sibal criticized the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) refusal to publish Form 17C data on its website, emphasizing the importance of transparency in elections. In response, the ECI expressed concerns about potential confusion and mischief if such data were made public, particularly regarding the inclusion of postal ballots.
The ECI submitted an affidavit on 22nd May, to the Supreme Court, arguing against the disclosure of Form 17C data, stating it could confuse voters. The ECI criticized ADR for making false allegations and seeking unfounded entitlements. A potential legal battle looms as the Supreme Court asks ECI to respond to ADR’s application, raising transparency concerns.
Today (10th May): The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has petitioned the Indian Supreme Court for transparent disclosure of voter turnout data in the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections 2024. A substantial increase in the final voter turnout figures and delays in their announcement prompted the plea, emphasizing the importance of transparent electoral processes to ensure fair elections.