Supreme Court Questions Impact of NOTA After a Decade: Democratic Expression or Symbolic Reform?
Introduction The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the “None of the Above” (NOTA) option in Indian elections, questioning whether it has achieved its intended democratic purpose. More than a decade after its introduction by judicial mandate, the Court observed that NOTA has hardly influenced political parties’ candidate selection practices , with electoral choices continuing to be driven by electability rather than ethical standards. The remarks were made during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy challenging the practice of uncontested elections, which allegedly deprive voters of the opportunity to exercise their right to choose, including the option of NOTA. This case raises critical constitutional and democratic questions about voter choice, electoral accountability, and the nature of democratic participation in India. Background: What is NOTA and Why Was It Introduced? The 2013 Supr...