Plea In HC Challenges Automated Voter Notices
The petition further contended that initiating proceedings solely on the basis of automated data matching : Reports
HYDERABAD: A petition has been filed before the Telangana High Court challenging the alleged issuance of notices to electors by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and election authorities based on automated data matching through the ECINet/ERONET platform.
Petitioner S.A. Masood alleged that the authorities were using the platform to identify and flag electors and initiate proceedings against them over minor discrepancies without properly verifying physical records or due application of mind by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).
The petitioner also contended that adequate details about the methodology, parameters and functioning of the ECINet/ERONET platform had not been disclosed in the public domain.
He sought a direction declaring such action by the election authorities illegal and unreasonable, and violative of Articles 14, 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution.
The petition further contended that initiating proceedings solely on the basis of automated data matching was contrary to the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
Masood sought directions restraining the ECI, the Telangana Chief Electoral Officer and the GHMC from initiating or continuing proceedings against electors solely on the basis of automated matching through ECINet/ERONET without following the procedure prescribed under law.
He sought verification of the relevant records and application of mind by the competent Electoral Registration Officers before any action was taken against electors.