Kerala High Court Mandates Enhanced Security Measures for Local Body Elections 2025
Directives Issued for Police Protection, Webcasting, and Videography to Ensure Smooth Electoral Process
The Kerala High Court has issued a comprehensive set of directives aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of the upcoming General Election to the local bodies, scheduled for December 9th and 11th, 2025. In a judgment delivered by Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan, the court emphasized the need for stringent security measures and technological interventions to maintain law and order during the electoral process.
The court's directives come in response to multiple writ petitions filed under WP(C) Nos. 45942, 45786, 45789, and others, highlighting concerns over potential disturbances during the election. The judgment outlines a detailed plan for the deployment of additional police forces, particularly in booths identified as hyper-sensitive and sensitive by the State Election Commission.
Key measures include the provision for live webcasting at polling stations to enhance transparency and accountability. Additionally, candidates and their agents have been granted the right to request videography at polling booths by submitting applications to the jurisdictional District Election Officers. The cost of such videography will be borne by the applicants.
The court also addressed the safety of candidates and their agents, allowing them to apply for police protection by filing applications with the District Police Chief or Commissioner of Police. The authorities have been instructed to provide adequate protection if the applications are deemed genuine.
In areas prone to law and order issues, the State Police Chief and District Police Chief have been directed to deploy additional police forces. This measure aims to preempt any disturbances and ensure a peaceful voting environment.
These directives underscore the court's commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and safeguarding democratic rights. The judgment serves as a crucial guideline for authorities to facilitate a fair and orderly election, reinforcing public confidence in the electoral system.
Bottom Line:
Directions issued for ensuring smooth conduct of General Election - 2025 to the local bodies, including police protection, live webcasting, deployment of additional police force at sensitive booths, and provision for videography at polling booths upon application.
Statutory provision(s): Election Law, General Election to Local Bodies, Police Protection, State Election Commission, Law and Order Maintenance, Videography at Polling Booths.
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