Question

Which organization played a crucial role in advocating for the implementation of NOTA in India?

• A. ADR
• B. PUCL
• C. CSDS
• D. ELECTION WATCH INDIA

Answer 1

Answer:

B. PUCL

• The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) played a crucial role in advocating for the implementation of NOTA in India.

• PUCL filed a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court seeking the implementation of the NOTA option on voting machines.

• In September 2013, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the PUCL petition and directed the Election Commission to provide a NOTA button on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which would give voters the right to reject all candidates.

• While other organizations such as the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Election Watch India have been involved in various electoral reforms, it was PUCL in particular that took the legal initiative that led to the Supreme Court's verdict mandating the implementation of NOTA.

• The PUCL vs. Union of India case is considered a landmark in strengthening the rights of voters in India's democratic process.