[General Elections 2024] All Safety Measures Taken To Ensure Free And Fair Elections In All Constituencies Across India: ECI Tells Kerala High Court

The statement was filed by the ECI in a writ petition filed by Advocate Praveen Kumar, the Chief Election Agent of Indian National Congress candidate Shafi Parambil alleging voter fraud at the instance of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), in the Vadakara parliamentary constituency. The writ petition was thus filed seeking video recording of the polling process and deployment of central forces in the Vadakara constituency, where the polling is set for the 26^th of this month.

Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen disposed of the writ petition on the undertaking filed by the ECI and observed thus:

“Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of recording the statement dated 18.04.2024, the communication dated 18.04.2024 and the undertaking of the learned Standing Counsel that they will strictly follow the aforesaid arrangements, while conducting the election scheduled to be held on 26.04.2024.”

The ECI also submitted that security arrangements have been made for 100% webcasting coverage for carrying elections in Kasargode, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram districts in Kerala.

It was also submitted that all polling stations in Vadakara Constituency will also be webcasted centrally which will be monitored by the District Election Officer.

The Court was also apprised by the ECI about the deployment of micro observers (not below Group-C officer of Central government) at all 264 critical polling stations.

Regarding the deployment of Central Armed Forces, it was submitted that 7 CAPF companies will be used for various activities such as Area domination, Static surveillance etc during pre-poll and on the polling day to ensure that polling is conducted securely and impartially.

“The learned Standing Counsel submits that all safety measures have been taken to ensure a free and fair election and also steps are being taken by deploying security personnel to see that elections are conducted in a proper manner” submitted the ECI before the Court.

On the above undertaking given before the Court that all arrangements have been made by the ECI to conduct a free and fair election, the writ petition was disposed of.

Counsel for Petitioners: Senior Advocate George Poonthottam, Advocates Nisha George, A.L.Navaneeth Krishnan, Sidharth.R.Wariyar,, Kavya Varma M. M., Anshin K.K.

Counsel for Respondents: Standing Counsel Deepu Lal Mohan

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw Ker 258

Case Title: Adv K Praveen Kumar v The Election Commission of India

Case Number: WP(C) 15968/2024

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