The introduction of the NOTA (None Of The Above) option in elections aimed to uphold the secrecy of voters’ choices and provide a means for voters to express dissent or disapproval against contesting candidates.
Background
The NOTA option was directed to be introduced by the Supreme Court in September 2013 following a petition by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) to protect the secrecy of voters’ choices.
Rationale for NOTA
The court recognized that maintaining secrecy in elections is essential for ensuring free and fair elections. The introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) made it possible to include NOTA as an option without compromising voter anonymity.
Legal Status and Consequences of NOTA
NOTA has no legal consequences attached to it, and even if it receives the highest number of votes in a constituency, the second most successful candidate wins.
Supreme Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court held that whether a voter decides to cast a vote or not, secrecy must be maintained. NOTA was seen as a means for voters to express dissent and uphold the integrity of elections.
Recent Developments and Proposed Changes
Efforts are being made to give NOTA more teeth in elections and to hold candidates and political parties accountable.
Current Petition
Shiv Khera has approached the Supreme Court seeking guidelines for uniform implementation of NOTA with consequences for candidates who do not surpass NOTA.
Proposed Changes
Khera proposes that candidates polling fewer votes than NOTA should be debarred from contesting elections for a period of five years. He also advocates for fresh elections in constituencies where NOTA surpasses all other candidates.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Why was the NOTA option introduced in elections?
- A) To increase voter participation
- B) To uphold the secrecy of voters’ choices
- C) To ensure candidates with integrity are fielded by political parties
- D) To eliminate bogus voting
- Answer: B) To uphold the secrecy of voters’ choices
- Which body directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to introduce the NOTA option?
- A) Parliament of India
- B) Supreme Court of India
- C) President of India
- D) Prime Minister of India
- Answer: B) Supreme Court of India
- What is the legal consequence of NOTA receiving the highest number of votes in a constituency?
- A) NOTA wins the election
- B) The second most successful candidate wins
- C) Fresh elections are held
- D) All candidates are disqualified
- Answer: B) The second most successful candidate wins
- What change is being proposed regarding candidates who poll fewer votes than NOTA?
- A) They are given a monetary penalty
- B) They are debarred from contesting elections for five years
- C) They are given a chance for re-election
- D) They are rewarded with government positions
- Answer: B) They are debarred from contesting elections for five years