Delhi High Court refuses to entertain the petition to make voting compulsory !

New Delhi – A PIL (Public Interest Litigation) has been filed in the Delhi High Court to make voting compulsory in Parliament and Assembly elections. The High Court has refused to entertain this petition. Through this petition, the Union Government and the Election Commission were sought to pass an order in this regard. The petition was filed by BJP leader and Advocate (Mr) Ashwini Upadhyay.

1. The Court observed that voting is a right and people should decide for themselves whether to vote or not. We are not lawmakers. Which Article of the Constitution of India states that voting is compulsory ? The Court asked Advocate Upadhyay.
2. The petition states that such a rule would increase voter turnout. Also, the quality of democracy will improve. Low voter turnout is a problem in India. Making voting compulsory will encourage citizens to do their duty. It will also help overcome voter apathy. In countries like Brazil, Australia and Belgium, the quality of democracy has improved along with the increase in voting percentage due to compulsory voting.

The Delhi High Court on March 17 refused to entertain a PIL seeking direction to the Centre and the Election Commission to make voting compulsory in Parliament and Assembly polls, saying it cannot force a person to vote.https://t.co/xbK0Rzgiks

— The Hindu (@the_hindu) March 18, 2023

Editorial Viewpoint

It is also necessary to consider the reasons behind the apathy of public towards voting. It is also seen that people are voting for ‘NOTA’ (none of the above) in large numbers. Voters use this option on the electronic voting machine if they do not want to vote for any candidate in an election.