Madurai

Against the backdrop of recently concluded polls to the rural local bodies in Tamil Nadu, a group of advocates before a Division Bench of Justices Ravindran and Duraiswamy claimed that there were scenes of chaos in the election as re-polling was ordered by the State Election Commission without valid reasons and winning certificates were awarded to different candidates for the same post. Citing these factors, the advocates sought the bench to take suo motu action against the SEC.

The bench after hearing, wondered if such controversies were genuine and subsequently, questioned the SEC on whether CCTV footage of counting of votes from centres was submitted.

The counsel on behalf of the State government stated that since counting of votes on January 2 continued till next day, additional time was sought for submission of the CCTV footage. The counsel on behalf of the SEC, also sought more time since there was delay in downloading the process of counting recorded on CCTVs. 

However, the bench did not take the counsel’s demand into consideration and directed the SEC to submit the CCTV footage of the counting process from 13 districts functioning under the jurisdiction of the Madurai bench of Madras High Court. Momentarily, the bench asked the counsel, on what kind of action had been taken to submit the footage even after counting ended two days ago. Further, the case was posted to hearing on Tuesday.

On December 30, when the second phase of polling to rural local bodies was scheduled in State, some advocates claimed that there were possibilities for irregularities while counting of votes. Citing this, the advocates sought the bench to direct the SEC to videograph the entire proceedings in the counting centres.

However, the SEC’s counsel argued that it would not be required to videograph the counting of votes since ballot boxes maintained in strong rooms at counting venues were already covered by CCTV surveillance cameras adequately. With the aid of CCTV cameras, the entire proceedings in the counting centre would be recorded. 

After hearing, the bench directed the SEC to submit the CCTV report from counting centres within 5 pm on January 3, 2020 before the Registrar of this court.

Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!

Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!

Click here for iOS

Click here for Android