HC directs EC to reply to DMK on usage of APVS as ID proof

The Madras High Court today directed the Election Commission to give a reply to DMK on its representation seeking to prevent voters from using "Authenticated Photo Voters Slip" as an additional identification document for casting votes.
The division bench, comprising Justice M M Sundresh and Justice S Vimala, gave the direction on a PIL filed by T K S Elangovan on behalf of the party.
"Matters like this have to be left to the discretion of the Election Commission. Admittedly, the notification has come into force. Therefore, we do not go into the merits of the matter except by calling upon the Election Commission to give a suitable reply to the representation made by the petitioner", the bench said.

Enangovan submitted that on April 2, 2014, the Election Commission issued an order approving "Authenticated Photo Voter Slip" (APVS) as additional proof of identity of a voter besides the 10 identification documents including passport, PAN card, Aadhar card and driving license.
He submitted that for the distribution of these APVS, the Election Commission in all the states were using the services of Noon Meal Organisers, contract employees or Anganwadi workers as Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
He contended that since these BLO's are local people and their jobs are at the mercy of political parties, they will have no choice except to act according to the directions of the political parties.

He submitted that since the BLOs were easily amenable to the local body representatives like Village Panchayat, Town Panchayat, Municipal Ward Councillors and other representatives of various co-operative societies belonging to the political parties, there was every chance of misusing the slips.
Stating that DMK raised the issue during an interaction with all political parties by the Election Commission on March 28 and April 7 and the EC assured that it would consider the request, no action was taken till date.