The Supreme Court of India has issued an order requiring the Election Commission of India (ECI) to preserve video recordings of election activities, responding to a legal challenge concerning the increase in the number of voters assigned to each polling station. The court acknowledged the claims that an increase in voters per station could result in voter exclusion, as polling stations may become overburdened.
The ECI has been allotted a three-week timeframe to submit its explanation for this adjustment, which involves an increment from 1,200 to 1,500 voters per station. Previously, an order in December 2024 directed the ECI to clarify the reasons and effects behind such an increase.
This decision comes amid concerns expressed by the Supreme Court questioning whether polling stations have the capacity to accommodate the increased number of voters without causing disenfranchisement. The ECI defended its position by pointing out that the 1,500-elector cap has been operational since 2019, reportedly without significant issues. Moreover, the ECI has noted that the most severe crowding typically occurs when voters arrive late in the day, while mornings see lighter foot traffic.
In an earlier directive, the court emphasized the importance of unobstructed voting access for all eligible participants. The plea challenging the ECI’s decision cites Section 25 of India’s Representation of the People Act, 1951, underlining the responsibility of district election officers to ensure sufficient polling facilities with prior ECI approval.
The legal challenge against the ECI’s notification is still underway, questioning whether the reallocation of electors, including the creation of new polling stations intended to evenly distribute voters, adequately mitigates potential negative impacts.
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