Electoral law cases

Judgment delivered3 months ago

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) case — Citizenship and voter status

A Supreme Court case concerning the distinction between citizens and voters, with implications for India's understanding of citizenship. The matter involved challenges before Single Bench and Division Bench of a High Court, followed by a Supreme Court hearing that resulted in a split verdict. The case addresses whether actual prejudice was caused to writ petitioners and examines revisional proceedings before the Commissioner.

Constitutional lawCitizenshipElectoral law

Bihar9Court matter

On triallast month

State of Karnataka v. Subhash Guttedar — Aland 'vote theft' case chargesheet petition

Former BJP MLA Subhash Guttedar challenged the chargesheet filed in the 2023 Aland 'vote theft' case. The Karnataka High Court rejected his plea to scrap the chargesheet.

FraudVote theftElectoral law

Karnataka5Court matter

On trial2 years ago

Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay vs Union of India — Lifetime ban on convicted politicians

The Supreme Court is hearing a petition seeking a lifetime ban on individuals convicted of criminal offences from contesting elections. The Union government has submitted that a lifetime ban would be harsh and that the existing six-year disqualification period is sufficient.

Electoral lawCriminal law

Delhi2Court matter

Judgment delivered2 years ago

Association for Democratic Reforms vs Election Commission of India — VVPAT verification case

A batch of petitions was filed seeking 100 percent verification of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) data with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips. The Supreme Court rejected the plea for 100 percent verification.

Electoral law

5Court matter

Judgment deliveredlast year

Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India — Electoral Bonds Scheme Constitutionality Challenge

The Supreme Court of India delivered a unanimous judgment declaring the Electoral Bonds Scheme unconstitutional and manifestly arbitrary for violating voters' right to information by providing blanket anonymity to political donors. The Court directed the State Bank of India and Election Commission of India to ensure full disclosure of donor and recipient details in implementation of the judgment.

Constitutional lawElectoral lawRight to Information

4Court matter