SHANIMOL USMAN Vs. ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, who is a candidate contesting in Aroor Legislative Assembly Constituency, is before this Court seeking to direct the 1st respondent to permit videography of the polling proceedings in booths, where there are double votes, at the expense of the petitioner, in terms of the directions issued by the 1st respondent. Incidental reliefs are also sought for.

(2.) The petitioner would contend that there are more than 2573 double votes in the Constituency where the name of voters appears more than in one place. Ext.P1 is a list drawn by the petitioner in respect of such double votes. The petitioner submitted Ext.P3 letter to the Chief Electoral Officer requesting to take necessary steps to avert the possibility of double voting. However, no positive action is taken, WP(C) No.8891/2021 contended the petitioner.

(3.) The petitioner would point out that as per Ext.P4 Circular dated 17.01.2007 of the Election Commission of India, video or digital photography of the proceedings inside the polling station is permitted. The petitioner further pointed out that a Division Bench of this Court has considered the issue of large scale double votes, in W.P.(C) No.8034/2021 and has given general directions to avert double voting by any voter.