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.
The Bombay High Court dismissed an election petition filed against Nitin Gadkari. The court ruled that there was no direct or indirect interference by Gadkari in the election results. It found no evidence of any attempt to manipulate the outcome. The verdict reinforces Gadkari’s clean electoral conduct, bringing an end to the legal challenge.
Today, On 5th February, The Bombay High Court dismissed a petition challenging the election victory of Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad. The plea was filed by rival candidate Asif Siddiqui, who alleged electoral malpractices during her campaign. The court found no merit in the allegations and rejected the case. This decision upholds Gaikwad’s win amid political scrutiny.
Today, On 3rd February, The Delhi High Court declined an urgent hearing on a PIL filed by a retired judge challenging cash-based schemes by political parties. The petition raises concerns over the impact of such schemes on fair elections. The court did not find immediate grounds for urgency. The matter will be considered in due course.
The court upheld the decision not to disqualify Congress MLAs who joined the BJP in 2022. On November 1 last year, Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar dismissed the disqualification plea against eight MLAs: Digambar Kamat, Aleixo Sequeira, Sankalp Amonkar, Michael Lobo, Delilah Lobo, Kedar Naik, Rudolf Fernandes, and Rajesh Faldesai. The plea sought action against them under anti-defection laws. However, the Speaker ruled in their favor, allowing them to retain their positions despite switching parties.
Today, On 2nd November, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna will hear a PIL against the Election Commission’s decision to raise the maximum voter count per polling booth from 1,200 to 1,500. Petitioner Indu Prakash Singh argues this could lead to overcrowding and marginalization of disadvantaged groups, prolonging voting times and reducing turnout.
![[Election Symbol Controversy] "Create Confusion Among Voters & Unduly Benefit From the Goodwill": Ajit Pawar Faces Allegations from Sharad Pawar](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-73-1.png?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1)
Sharad Pawar accused Ajit Pawar of misleading voters and exploiting the NCP’s ‘clock’ symbol following their party’s defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Amid political tensions and a Supreme Court hearing, the Sharad faction has requested to present evidence against Ajit’s faction, which won 41 seats compared to Sharad’s 10.
The Kerala High Court is considering a plea challenging a provision in the Kerala Local Authorities (Prohibition of Defection) Act, 1999, which bars voters from filing petitions to disqualify elected local body members. The petitioner argues that this exclusion undermines political accountability and violates the right to equality under the Indian Constitution. The matter awaits further hearing.
A government “by the people and of the people” should naturally provide ideal governance “for the people.” However, this is often far from reality. A fundamental issue with democracy is that voters do not always make rational or fully informed decisions. Political decision-making tends to be influenced by preconceived notions and a preference for instant gratification, which keeps many democracies focused on short-term growth. Consequently, the distribution of freebies undermines the integrity of elections, while negative campaigning by candidates significantly impacts voters’ perceptions and choices.
Today, On 10th May, The Andhra Pradesh High Court temporarily stopped cash transfers by the ruling YSR Congress Party to government initiative recipients until after the May 13 elections. This decision follows concerns over potential influence on voters. Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy accused political opponents of seeking to obstruct welfare initiatives. The pause is aimed at ensuring a fair electoral process.