Supreme Court: Voting Cannot be Made Compulsory , Rejects Plea for Penalising Non-Voters
The Supreme Court refused to direct penal action against citizens who do not vote, holding that individuals cannot be compelled to exercise their right to vote.
It emphasised that while voting is an important democratic right, it remains a matter of personal choice. The Court noted that introducing compulsory voting or penalties for abstaining would require legislative action by Parliament, not judicial intervention.
It also highlighted that aspects of voting are linked to freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a), which includes the right to not vote.
Accordingly, the plea seeking punitive measures against non-voters was dismissed.
