The Kerala High Court has requested a reply from the Election Commission of India regarding alleged deficiencies in the postal voting process that prevented a government employee from voting. The court scheduled a hearing for April 21 after considering a petition filed by a state government employee who claimed his voting rights were violated despite following all postal voting procedures. This issue arises amidst similar concerns raised prior to the state’s recent elections where 140 Assembly members were elected.
The recent petition has reignited attention on previous assurances made to the court earlier this month. On April 8, the Election Commission assured the High Court that necessary measures would be taken to enable polling personnel to vote through postal ballots before commencing election duties. This assurance came after a petition by the Kerala NGO Union highlighted challenges faced by government staff on election duty. According to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, these personnel have the right to vote via postal ballots.
However, delays in distributing ballot papers resulted in many officials being unable to vote. The postal voting period from April 1 to April 8 coincided with tight logistical schedules, leading to several officials not receiving their ballots by April 6. On April 8, the focus was on collecting voting machines and election materials, leaving minimal time for voting. Responding to these issues, the High Court directed authorities to expedite ballot distribution to ensure all eligible personnel received their ballots before 2 p.m. on April 8.
The latest petition alleging implementation failures highlights the court’s ongoing concerns about disenfranchisement among those responsible for the electoral process.
