Need mechanism to make voting mandatory: Supreme Court
Times of India
by DHANANJAY MAHAPATRAFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Supreme Court of India has emphasized the need for a mechanism to make voting compulsory in order to strengthen democracy by increasing voter turnout and reducing the Nota (None of the Above) option's relevance. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, highlighted that while the Nota option was intended to encourage better candidates and voter participation, its usage has been minimal over the past decade.
The court was addressing a PIL filed by Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, which argued for treating Nota as a candidate in constituencies with only one contestant. Senior advocate Arvind Datar contended that this would deter powerful candidates from forcing their opponents to withdraw. However, Attorney General R Venktaramani opposed the idea, stating that voting is not a fundamental right and such decisions should be left to Parliament.
The bench noted that educated and affluent individuals often have lower voter turnout compared to rural areas, where elections are seen as festivals of participation. The government's affidavit argued against amending the Representation of People Act, 1951, to grant Nota candidate status, emphasizing that Nota is merely an option, not a person.
This debate underscores the broader challenges in enhancing democratic engagement in India. The court's observations highlight the need for systemic reforms to ensure that all eligible voters participate, making elections more representative and robust. Addressing voter apathy through effective measures could lead to more inclusive and stronger democratic processes.
Overall, the court's discussion on compulsory voting and Nota's role reflects ongoing efforts to improve India's electoral system and strengthen its democratic foundations. This matters globally as it offers insights into addressing similar challenges in other democracies, ensuring that elections truly reflect the will of the people.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026