SC issues notice to Centre on plea to implement biometric systems (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Monday issued notices to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Centre and state governments on a petition seeking the introduction of fingerprint and iris-based biometric systems at polling stations to curb electoral fraud.
The matter was heard by a two-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. The bench clarified that the proposal would not be applicable to the ongoing assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
The court observed that the feasibility and implications of implementing biometric verification in elections require careful examination. It indicated that such measures could be considered for future parliamentary or state elections after due evaluation.
The plea was filed by BJP leader and advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, who argued that issues such as duplicate voting, impersonation and undue influence continue to affect the credibility of elections. He called for technological measures to strengthen transparency.
During the hearing, the bench initially suggested approaching the Election Commission. However, it later agreed to examine the matter after the petitioner clarified that the request was not related to ongoing elections but aimed at long-term reforms.
Polling in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry has already been completed in a single phase. Tamil Nadu will vote later this month, while West Bengal is conducting elections in multiple phases. Results for all states are scheduled to be announced on May 4.
The case has reignited discussions on the use of technology in elections. The court’s notice signals that biometric verification could become a key topic in future electoral reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and trust.
