Form 17C
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TH
Context: The Supreme Court is hearing a petition by ADR seeking the immediate publication of booth-wise voting data (Form 17C) on the Election Commission’s website.
About Form 17C:
• What it is:
• Form 17C is a mandatory election document that records booth-wise voter turnout and election results.
• Form 17C is a mandatory election document that records booth-wise voter turnout and election results.
• Its parts:
• Part 1: Account of Votes Recorded — includes booth-wise data on the number of electors, votes cast, Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) identification, tendered ballots, and discrepancies. Part 2: Result of Counting — provides candidate-wise vote counts obtained by pressing the result button on the EVM.
• Part 1: Account of Votes Recorded — includes booth-wise data on the number of electors, votes cast, Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) identification, tendered ballots, and discrepancies.
• Part 2: Result of Counting — provides candidate-wise vote counts obtained by pressing the result button on the EVM.
• Law governed under:
• Governed by the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, framed under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
• Governed by the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, framed under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
• Procedures laid down:
• Part 1 is filled by the Presiding Officer after polling, signed by polling agents, and sealed in a ‘Strong Room.’ Part 2 is filled by the Returning Officer on counting day, verified, signed by counting agents, and officially declared.
• Part 1 is filled by the Presiding Officer after polling, signed by polling agents, and sealed in a ‘Strong Room.’
• Part 2 is filled by the Returning Officer on counting day, verified, signed by counting agents, and officially declared.
• Functions and powers of Form 17C:
• Ensures transparency and accountability of votes recorded and counted. Enables cross-verification of voter turnout and vote counts. Helps address discrepancies and strengthens trust in the electoral process. Legally binding for polling and counting officials, with signatures mandatory for validation.
• Ensures transparency and accountability of votes recorded and counted.
• Enables cross-verification of voter turnout and vote counts.
• Helps address discrepancies and strengthens trust in the electoral process.
• Legally binding for polling and counting officials, with signatures mandatory for validation.