With the upcoming elections in the state, the Kerala High Court has directed the Election Commission to ensure that there is no double voting by any voter. Chief Justice S. Manikumar and Justice Shaji P. Chaly sternly directed the EC to implement its orders “in letter and spirit, without any room for complaint.”
The Bench was hearing a petition filed by Leader of Opposition, Ramesh Chennithala highlighting the widespread fraudulent votes. He alleged that there are multiple entries of the voters in various places, with about 3,24,441 double votes and 1,09,601 bogus votes in the final electoral roll that was published on January 20, 2021.
He claimed that there were around 4,34,042 double/fake votes in the final electoral rolls, and contended that though complaints were made to the Election Commission to correct the electoral roll, no steps have been taken, and the voting is scheduled on April 6.
The High Court observed that, “On the above submissions and the material on record, we are of the prima facie view that there are discrepancies in the final voters list published by the Election Commission.”
The court directed the Election Commission to be careful and ensure fair elections. “We direct and make it clear that the Election Commission of India should ensure that there is no double voting by any voter. Election Commission should also ensure that sufficient State/Central force is posted at all voting places, to ensure fair and democratic election. To implement the above, steps should be taken on war footing basis,” said the court.
The standing counsel of the Election Commission apprised the court that steps have been taken to correct the electoral roll/voters list, which would be filed in the form of a counter affidavit with supporting documents.
The order may be read here:
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