NOTA - None of the Above
The direction in the judgment dated 27th September, 2013 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court is to provide a NOTA option on the EVM and ballot papers so that the electors who do not want to vote for any of the candidates can exercise their option in secrecy. Voting related Act and articles : 1.) Article 19(1)(a) - Freedom of expression 2.) Representation of peoples act – 79(d) – Right not to vote 3.) Representation of peoples act – - 128 - Maintenance of secrecy of voting 4.) Election rule 49 M deal with the secrecy of voting 5.) Election rule 49 O – not to vote What is the problem in current procedure ? In case of ballot paper : A voter can use his right of “ Note to vote” by dropping ballot paper without mark of any one party or candidate in drop box with secrecy But in case of EVM , A voter need to fill up a from 17A and put signature on it and submitted to presiding officer and in doing so , the secrecy of voting no longer stay at place. What...