Election Commission asks Centre to stop using indelible ink in banks
The EC raised the concern as several states will be going to polls and it's a way to mark citizens who have already voted.
New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) on Friday wrote to the Finance Ministry, asking it not to use indelible ink to mark people who were exchanging scrapped notes or withdrawing money from banks.
The EC raised the concern as several states will be going to polls and using indelible ink is the primary way of marking citizens who have already voted.
In its letter, the EC said, "It is informed that bye-elections from some parliamentary and Assembly constituencies are currently in progress, poll for which is scheduled to be taken on 19.11.2016. As per the provisions of Rule 49K of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, the left forefinger of electors is required to be marked with indelible ink at the polling stations before the elector is allowed to vote."
While Uttar Pradesh and Punjab are headed for assembly polls early next year, the Election Commission stated, "Sub-rule (4) of the said Rule 49K provides that in cases, where the elector does not have forefinger on the left hand, the ink is to be marked on any finger on his left hand, and if does not have any finger on his left hand, the ink is to be marked on his right forefinger. Extracts from the Handbook for Returning officers issued by the commission containing instructions in terms of the aforesaid Rure 49K are also enclosed for reference."
The EC raised the concern as several states will be going to polls and using indelible ink is the primary way of marking citizens who have already voted.
This comes just a day after various political parties including the Congress launched a scathing attack on the Government over the move.
Congress on Thursday had accused the government of "branding" people through its "fascist act" of inking those exchanging demonetised currency notes.
Party spokesperson Anand Sharma said the Modi government was "insulting and harassing" crores of Indians by subjecting them to stand in long queues to withdraw money and demanded apology from the Prime Minister and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
"The decision to put indelible ink on fingers of account holders is a senseless, Fascist and Nazist act of branding people. It is shameful that they have done so with foreign tourists. Instead of sermonising, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Finance minister should hang their heads in shame and apologise to the people," he said.