Supreme Court Petition Challenges Election Commission’s Delay in Releasing Poll Turnout Data

Amidst rising concerns over the transparency and accuracy of voting data in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, a petition filed in the Supreme Court by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has questioned the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) delay in releasing authenticated figures of votes polled across all polling stations.

The petition, spearheaded by advocate Prashant Bhushan, highlights discrepancies between initial and final voting percentages in the first and second phases of the parliamentary elections, sparking apprehensions among the electorate. Notably, the application underscores the “unreasonable delay” by the ECI in disclosing polling data, raising suspicions about the sudden surge in voting figures after initial estimates.

Seeking to restore public confidence in the electoral process, the petition urges the Supreme Court to direct the ECI to promptly disclose authenticated records of voter turnout by uploading scanned copies of Form 17C Part-I (Account of Votes Recorded) for all polling stations within 48 hours of polling closure. Additionally, the application calls for tabulated data of constituency and polling station wise voter turnout figures, along with candidate-wise results as recorded in Part-II of Form 17C.

This legal challenge against the ECI’s data management practices comes at a crucial juncture, with political parties, including the Congress, expressing concerns over polling data accuracy. The Congress chief’s recent letter alleging discrepancies in voting data has added to the scrutiny faced by the ECI.

However, the ECI has vehemently refuted these allegations, dismissing them as baseless and unfounded. Despite the ECI’s assurances, the petition by ADR underscores the pressing need for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process, particularly in light of evolving challenges and technological advancements.

As the Supreme Court prepares to deliberate on the merits of the petition, stakeholders await a resolution that safeguards the integrity of India’s democratic institutions and ensures the free and fair conduct of elections.

If you like this story, share it with a friend!