The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from the Election Commission of India, the Centre and state governments on a plea seeking biometric verification of voters at polling booths, even as it made clear that such a system cannot be rolled out for the upcoming elections.
The court indicated that while the proposal raises serious questions around electoral integrity, it would require sweeping legal and administrative changes along with significant financial backing, making immediate implementation impractical.
Court flags cost, rule changes in biometric proposal
Hearing a PIL filed by BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay, the bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that introducing fingerprint and iris-based identification at polling stations would involve “great change in rules and also a great financial burden.” The court added that the power to consider such reforms lies with the Election Commission of India.
Upadhyay argued that the poll body has plenary powers to act, but would require cooperation from states. He urged the court to issue notice on the plea.
Not for immediate polls, but long-term reform open
Responding to the submission, the Chief Justice said that the relief sought cannot be applied to elections in the near term. “The prayers cannot be considered for the upcoming elections,” the bench observed, adding that the feasibility of such a system for future parliamentary or assembly polls would need deeper examination.
“However, whether such a recourse deserves to be followed before the next parliamentary election and/or state assembly elections needs to be examined. Issue notice,” the bench said.
At the same time, the court said it would seek responses from all stakeholders. “ECI needs to give us a reply, and if state does not help or the Finance Ministry does not pass budget, then again we can be approached,” the bench said, while initially expressing reservations about issuing notice at this stage.
The court ultimately issued notice to the ECI, the Centre and all states on the PIL, which seeks implementation of finger and iris biometric systems at polling stations to prevent electoral malpractices such as duplicate voting, impersonation and ghost voting.