New Delhi, 31-01-2025: In a significant development concerning electoral processes, the Supreme Court of India on Friday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to preserve video footage of polling stations while the legal challenge against the decision to increase the maximum number of voters per polling station remains under consideration. The ruling came after the counsel representing the ECI requested additional time to respond to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Indu Prakash Singh, challenging the ECI’s decision.
Singh’s PIL challenges the Election Commission’s directive issued in August 2024, which increased the number of voters per polling station from 1,200 to 1,500. This move by the ECI has stirred significant debate, with critics arguing that it could potentially hamper the smooth conduct of elections, particularly in areas with high voter turnout. Singh has contended that the decision is arbitrary, lacking empirical data or analysis to support it. He highlighted concerns that the new policy could result in overcrowded polling stations, creating difficulties for voters and poll officials alike.
The bench, consisting of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, took note of the request for more time and observed that the ECI must continue to preserve CCTV recordings of polling stations as it had been doing previously. This order came in light of the ongoing petitions challenging the ECI’s decision. The bench noted that the affidavit from the Election Commission, addressing the points raised in the PIL, should be filed within three weeks. In the meantime, the ECI has been directed to maintain the video recordings, which are crucial for transparency and accountability during the polling process.
Earlier in January, the Supreme Court had sought responses from the Centre and the Election Commission on a petition filed by Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh. Ramesh’s plea raised concerns about recent amendments to the 1961 election rules, which not only increase the number of voters per polling station but also restrict public access to CCTV footage of polling stations. These amendments have drawn significant criticism, particularly from opposition parties, who argue that they could lead to diminished transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Singh’s petition, in particular, raised concerns about the impact of the ECI’s decision on the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra, Bihar, and Delhi. He argued that the increase in the number of voters per polling station could lead to long queues and waiting times, which might discourage voters from casting their ballots, especially in high-turnout areas. Singh contended that, given the usual 11-hour voting window, a polling station could only manage between 660 to 490 voters, depending on factors like the time taken for each voter to cast their vote.
Given that the average voter turnout in elections hovers around 65.7 percent, Singh argued that polling stations designed for 1,000 electors would likely see around 650 voters show up on average. He further pointed out that in areas where voter turnout reaches 85 to 90 percent, polling stations could be overwhelmed, leading to a situation where up to 20 percent of voters might either be forced to stand in long queues beyond voting hours or, worse, abandon the process altogether due to the extended waiting times.
Such scenarios, Singh argues, undermine the principles of democracy, where every citizen has the right to vote without facing unnecessary obstacles. He stressed that no voter should be denied the opportunity to exercise their fundamental democratic right due to overcrowded polling stations or inefficiencies in the election process.
The Supreme Court’s directive to preserve the CCTV footage of polling stations is seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process. By maintaining video recordings, the Election Commission ensures that there is an accurate and verifiable record of events at each polling station, which could be vital in the event of any disputes or allegations of malpractice. The footage also serves as a deterrent against any potential irregularities during the polling process.
This development comes at a time when the country is gearing up for key state elections, and the issue of voter access and election integrity is taking center stage. The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the electoral system and ensuring that any changes to the electoral rules are based on sound reasoning and evidence. It also reflects the growing concerns about the impact of such policy changes on voter participation and the potential for disenfranchising certain sections of the electorate.
The decision to increase the number of voters per polling station has sparked a broader debate about the efficiency and fairness of India’s electoral system. While the Election Commission defends the move as a necessary step to streamline the polling process, critics argue that it could exacerbate existing challenges in managing elections, particularly in densely populated areas. The debate over voter accessibility, the efficiency of the polling process, and the role of technology in ensuring transparency and accountability is likely to continue as the country prepares for future elections.
As the case progresses, the Election Commission will be required to address these concerns and provide a more detailed justification for the policy change. The preservation of CCTV footage and the scrutiny of the proposed changes through judicial review are expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of India’s election laws. In the meantime, the ongoing case serves as a reminder of the vital importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that every citizen’s right to vote is protected.