Supreme Court – Right to Reject

The court’s observation came while passing an order to the Election Commission, asking it to include the “None of the Above (NOTA)” option in voting machines and ballot papers to ensure a vibrant democracy.

The court’s order has been dubbed as historic by activists fighting for cleansing politics while drawing a mixed response from political parties.

A Three-Judge Bench in Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam, which held that voters have a Right to Reject All Candidates contesting polls in a constituency by pressing a button for Negative Vote, observed that essence of the electoral system should be to Ensure Voter’s Freedom to Exercise Free Choice.

According to Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, if an elector decide not to record his/her vote, a Remark known as Refused to Vote. but now Supreme Court directs the Election Commission to include None of the Above in ballot papers and Electronic Voting Machine.