Kerala HC seeks ECI Stand on missed postal ballots

The Kerala High Court on Friday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to clarify on Tuesday whether additional facilities can be arranged for voters who were unable to cast their postal ballots in the recently-concluded polls, in a move with wider implications for electoral access and fairness.

Taking note of concerns over possible disenfranchisement, the court asked the ECI to place on record its considered view on the feasibility of extending or facilitating postal voting mechanisms for those who missed the



opportunity.

The Bench posted the matter for further hearing on Tuesday, directing the poll panel to respond. The direction comes in the backdrop of polling held on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.

The timing of the court’s intervention has drawn attention, given that postal ballots can play a decisive role in closely-contested constituencies. The proceedings stem from a petition filed by a state government employee who contended that his constitutional right to vote was denied despite complying with all procedures required for postal voting.