Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has demanded that voting be recognised as a fundamental right, citing a Supreme Court verdict that recognised the right to walk on a footpath as part of fundamental freedoms. He questioned why voting continues to be treated only as a statutory right, especially in the context of alleged name deletions from electoral rolls in the State Information Region (SIR).
Supreme Court precedent cited
Speaking to reporters, Ramesh referred to a recent Supreme Court judgment that expanded the scope of Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) to include the right to walk on footpaths. He argued that if such a right can be deemed fundamental, the right to vote — the cornerstone of democracy — should also enjoy the same status. “Voting is not a privilege granted by the state; it is an expression of the sovereign will of the people,” Ramesh said.
Allegations of voter suppression
Ramesh highlighted that in the SIR, thousands of names have been deleted from electoral rolls, disproportionately affecting minority and opposition voters. He claimed this amounts to voter suppression and undermines the democratic process. “When names are deleted without proper notice or opportunity for redress, the statutory right to vote becomes meaningless,” he added.
Congress party’s broader push
The Congress party has been advocating for a constitutional amendment to make voting a fundamental right. Ramesh noted that several other democracies treat voting as a fundamental right, and India should follow suit. He also called for the Election Commission to ensure transparency in the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
Government response awaited
The government has not yet responded to the demand. However, legal experts suggest that making voting a fundamental right would require a constitutional amendment and could have far-reaching implications for electoral laws. The Congress party plans to raise the issue in the upcoming Parliament session.
