Source: TH
Context: The Supreme Court is hearing a petition by ADR seeking the immediate publication of booth-wise voting data (Form 17C) on the Election Commission’s website.
About Form 17C:
- What it is:
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- Form 17C is a mandatory election document that records booth-wise voter turnout and election results.
- Its parts:
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- Part 1: Account of Votes Recorded — includes booth-wise data on the number of electors, votes cast, Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) identification, tendered ballots, and discrepancies.
- Part 2: Result of Counting — provides candidate-wise vote counts obtained by pressing the result button on the EVM.
- Law governed under:
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- Governed by the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, framed under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- Procedures laid down:
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- Part 1 is filled by the Presiding Officer after polling, signed by polling agents, and sealed in a ‘Strong Room.’
- Part 2 is filled by the Returning Officer on counting day, verified, signed by counting agents, and officially declared.
- Functions and powers of Form 17C:
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- Ensures transparency and accountability of votes recorded and counted.
- Enables cross-verification of voter turnout and vote counts.
- Helps address discrepancies and strengthens trust in the electoral process.
- Legally binding for polling and counting officials, with signatures mandatory for validation.
