The Election Commission of India informed the Madras High Court that it is reviewing guidelines to strengthen restrictions on the use of children in election campaigns. The exercise follows allegations of minors being involved in political campaigning and electoral influence during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The BJP criticised the INDIA alliance for writing to Chief Justice Surya Kant over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi alleged the Opposition was spreading misinformation, creating fear about elections, and attempting to undermine democratic institutions.
The Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea challenging Punjab municipal elections through ballot papers instead of EVMs, with CJI Surya Kant observing that no judicial intervention was possible as polling was scheduled to begin the following day.
The Supreme Court directed the West Bengal government and Election Commission to provide logistical support to judicial officers conducting the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, noting they have handled over 10.16 lakh objections and claims regarding voter deletions.
ECI officials said over 50% voters in most States won’t need documents in the upcoming Special Intensive Revision. Old electoral rolls from past revisions will act as the cut-off for verification.
