ECI opposes release of booth-wise voter turnout data, files affidavit in Supreme Court

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has informed the Supreme Court that there is no legal requirement to publish final authenticated voter turnout data in all polling stations. 

The ECI contended that in close election contests, the margin of victory could be razor-thin, and public disclosure of Form 17C could create to confusion about the overall number of votes cast. According to Bar and Bench, the ECI warned that this misunderstanding might be used by persons with malevolent intent to undermine the entire electoral process and disrupt the election apparatus.

The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) seeking the disclosure of final authenticated voter turnout data, including the number of votes polled in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, within 48 hours of polling. The ECI also criticized ADR, alleging that certain "vested interests" were making false allegations to discredit its work.

The ECI further argued that ADR claimed a legal entitlement where none existed, particularly during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The declaration cited a recent Supreme Court decision on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), underlining restrictions on ADR and accusing the group of propagating concerns and falsehoods.

The application by ADR highlighted concerns over the substantial increase in final voter turnout announced by the ECI for the first two phases of the Lok Sabha elections compared to initial estimates.