tn-seshan-s-1994-rules-to-guide-burqa-clad-voters-in-bihar-polls

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday confirmed that it will strictly enforce the landmark directives issued by former Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan in 1994 regarding ‘Pardanasheen’ women during the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

 

The ECI referred to its 1994 order titled, “General elections to State Legislative Assemblies-1994-Special facilities in polling stations for women electors,” emphasising that the commission is “implementing Ex CEC TN Seshan decisions of 1994 on Pardanasheens in Bihar.”

 

The term ‘Pardanasheen’ applies to women who, due to cultural or religious practices, do not appear before male officials or in public without wearing a veil.

 

In 1994, T.N. Seshan issued clear guidelines instructing polling officials to make special arrangements that respect these sensitivities, while ensuring that women could cast their votes without intimidation or challenges to their identity.

 

The order stated, “Chief Electoral Officer, District Election Officer, Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officer, and Presiding Officer are responsible for ensuring special arrangements are made for women electors to exercise their franchise in the presence of Lady staff.”

 

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It added that where female electors form a significant proportion of voters 50 per cent or more and burqa or purdah is observed, “at least one Polling Officer must be a lady Polling Officer in each such polling station.”

 

Furthermore, the order noted that “if women officials are not available in the required number, the Returning Officer or Presiding Officer has the authority under Rule 34(2) to appoint 'any woman to serve as an attendant' at the polling station.”

 

Ahead of Bihar’s two-phase elections next month, the ECI’s renewed focus on inclusive polling arrangements aims to ensure that every voter, regardless of gender, can exercise their franchise effectively.

 

Officials expect that these measures will significantly enhance female voter participation, particularly in rural and conservative regions, reinforcing the commission’s commitment to free and fair elections.