'Election Commission has taken adequate steps to spread awareness on NOTA', Bombay High Court rejected the petition

Adequate measures have been taken by the Election Commission (EC) and the Maharashtra State Election Commission to disseminate information regarding the NOTA option available in electronic voting machines (EVMs). The Bombay High Court's Aurangabad bench made this observation while rejecting a public interest lawsuit (PIL).

The PIL asked the Election Commission for guidance on how to raise awareness of the NOTA option. This was noted by a division bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and RM Joshi on March 22, when they dismissed the petition. On Monday, a copy of the ruling was made accessible.

A student named Suhas Wankhede filed the petition. It was suggested that to raise awareness of the NOTA option while voting, the Election Commission should designate a brand ambassador.

The court acknowledged that the election side had released a document with voter guidelines, and it stated that the document contained instructions about NOTAs in large print. The bench stated that NOTA is mentioned in the document in bold letters, drawing the voter's immediate attention. Additionally, it has been stated in bold letters that NOTA is an option on EVMs as a last resort.

It further said that the document is a pictorial guide for voters, to make them aware of their rights and duties. The court said, both the Election Commission and the Maharashtra Election Commission have taken adequate steps to make the people aware of their franchise and the option of NOTA and hence there is no need to pass any further directions.

The division bench further said that it was not imposing a fine on the petitioner because he was a student.