The Kerala High Court on Tuesday expressed grave concern over allegations that thousands of polling personnel were unable to cast their votes through postal ballots during the recently held Assembly elections. Hearing a batch of writ petitions, Justice K V Jayakumar observed that the claims pointed to a significant administrative lapse.
“It is a serious allegation… nearly 20,000 people could not vote. They are working for you. Why are you so adamant that you would not allow it? It is your duty to ensure that they vote. This is very unfortunate,” the court remarked, addressing the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The petitioners contended that a large number of government officials deployed on election duty were effectively disenfranchised, as their applications for postal ballots were either rejected, not processed, or marked defective.
Representing the ECI, counsel argued that the petitioners should pursue relief through election petitions rather than approaching the court via writ petitions. However, the bench emphasised that ensuring the right to vote—especially for personnel engaged in conducting elections—is a core responsibility of the Commission. The court also directed the ECI to clarify, through an affidavit if necessary, the total number of government servants assigned polling duties during the elections.
Petitioners further pointed to procedural lapses, citing Rule 27, which allows voters on election duty to submit postal ballots before the commencement of counting. They argued that these safeguards were not properly implemented, leading to widespread denial of voting rights.
Polling for the 140-member Kerala Legislative Assembly was held on April 9. The matter will be taken up for further hearing in the coming days.
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