Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Well done again, SC!' that was published in Newsband

Well done again, SC!

The Supreme Court has done a great job by ordering that voting machines in future should have an additional provision for voters to record a ‘none-of-the-above’ (NOTA) option to reject all candidates in the fray. Henceforth, one can record a ‘no-vote’ option by signing a form in the presence of election officials, in the hope that a large number of such negative votes would induce political parties to field candidates known for their integrity.

This extra provision in the voting machines will promote free and fair elections, ensure greater voter participation and reduce bogus voting. The NOTA ruling fills a significant lacuna in electoral law, and is a welcome decision.  

It is good that the Parliament has left electoral reforms to the courts instead of deliberating over and passing appropriate laws. Thanks to an assertive Election Commission, the potential for irregularities by the political class has been effectively kept under check.

It would be a very laudable move to induce a NO-VOTE option in the voting machine itself as it will actually present the true mirror to the parties credibility and perceptions in terms of voters' requirements. This will ensure reduced bogus voting and provide a fair play to both the voters and political parties. Any order that allows the people to have a fair say regarding the governance then such a move is thoroughly welcomed.

Thanks to the SC's verdict, taking the voters for granted and thrusting the candidates of questionable credentials would soon become a thing of the past. Those who are fed up of poor governance and corruption, this order gives a vent to express their anger and protest. They can now create a pressure on the political parties in selecting their candidates. Also the conscious voters will get an opportunity to defeat the political hegemony.

If candidates are rejected by NOTA a fresh election in that constituency should be arranged. This facility given to the voters will force those who desire to contest the election to improve their image and performance.

As the political class is bent upon serving their own interest the Supreme Court has to intervene on such matters. In this country with more than 100 crore people there are enough candidates to represent the public. If someone is charged with heinous crimes he should be sent packing that moment onward. The EC should be empowered to frame rules on the gaps like what happens to the election when NOTA is the

highest, what happens to candidates who poll less than NOTA and  what happens to a party which gets stumped by NOTA in substantial number of constituencies.

The judgment will surely strengthen democracy and will curtail impersonation. It will help in greater participation of people and at the same time will make parties more responsible and pragmatic. It will also defend right of expression for the people.

This move will force all the political parties to bring good candidates and criminalization of politics will decrease.

It would be great if the Supreme Court would also grant right to cast a negative vote against a candidate than a 'no-vote'. This would help in effective gauging of the popularity of every candidate/ party in the fray and give people the right to exercise their opinion.