EC's Postal Ballot Rule Sparks Controversy in Andhra Pradesh

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a plea by the YSR Congress Party challenging the Election Commission's decision to relax postal ballot norms in Andhra Pradesh. The party argued that the EC's circular was discriminatory towards the state and contrary to established rules. The court suggested relying on existing legal remedies.

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea filed by the YSR Congress Party, which contested the Election Commission's relaxation of postal ballot norms for Andhra Pradesh. The party had previously seen its petition dismissed by the high court, yet retained permission to raise contentions through an election petition.

Judges Aravind Kumar and Sandeep Mehta, part of the vacation bench, ruled that the court was not inclined to interfere with a June 1 Andhra Pradesh High Court order that dismissed the YSR Congress Party's earlier challenge.

The controversy stems from a May 30 circular by the Election Commission that eased postal ballot attestation rules exclusively for Andhra Pradesh. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi argued during the hearing that this move was discriminatory, deviating from the Conduct of Election Rules of 1961. Despite these objections, the court advised the petitioner to pursue existing legal remedies.