The Kerala High Court has directed the police and the State Election Commission (SEC) to adopt strict measures, including live webcasting and deployment of additional force, to ensure the peaceful conduct of the upcoming local body elections, particularly in booths marked as ‘hyper-sensitive’ and ‘sensitive’.
Justice P V Kunhikrishnan passed the order while hearing a batch of petitions filed by candidates, booth agents, and members of the public who feared law and order issues, citing past incidents of booth capturing and physical assault. Several pleas came from individuals who alleged threats and apprehended violence from rival political groups.
The petitioners sought the installation of webcasting or videography systems in booths perceived as vulnerable and demanded additional police presence. Responding to the concerns, the state government submitted that the State Police Chief had already made arrangements to provide adequate protection to all polling booths.
The SEC informed the court that District Election Officers (DEOs) are empowered to permit videography at the cost of candidates who fear malpractice. If applications are made and the concerns appear genuine, the DEO may approve such requests with prior permission from the commission.
After considering the submissions, the court ruled that petitioners may apply for videography of their polling booths, which the respective DEOs should allow if justified, at the expense of the applicants. Similarly, pleas for police protection for candidates or their booth agents must be made before the concerned District Police Chief, who shall act in accordance with law.
The court issued similar directives a day earlier in related petitions, many originating from Kannur. Noting the volume of complaints from the northern district, the court remarked on its perceived reputation for political violence.
“The entire Kannur people should awaken in this election and show to the entire state that it is a place where free and fair elections are conducted,” Justice Kunhikrishnan said, urging the public and law enforcement agencies to work together to remove the “bad label” associated with the region.
The court’s directions aim to bring heightened vigilance and transparency to the polling process, with a clear message that the election machinery and the public share responsibility in ensuring peaceful, fair voting.
