Supreme Court declines to entertain YSRCP’s petition challenging the relaxation of postal ballot norms in Andhra Pradesh

Today (June 03, 2024), the Supreme Court (SC) of India declined to entertain the YSR Congress Party’s (YSRCP) petition challenging the relaxation of postal ballot norms in Andhra Pradesh by the ECI (Election Commission of India). While refusing to grant any relief to the political party, the bench constituting Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Sandeep Mehta said, “In the facts and circumstances of this case, we do not find any merit; therefore, refuse to interfere with the June 01 order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.” Also, the vacation bench endorsed the Andhra Pradesh HC’s approach in not interfering with the decision of the ECI and granting liberty to the petitioner to challenge the same in an election petition after the result declaration on June 04, 2024. The Andhra Pradesh HC ruled “The writ plea is disposed of with liberty to the petitioner to pursue remedies in a properly framed election petition.” During the proceedings today, Senior Advocate Dr. AM Singhvi appeared for the YSRCP and contended that the rules regarding postal ballots were changed by ECI’s circular issued on May 30 and were applicable only in the State of Andhra Pradesh. He added, as per the circular, Form 13A can be accepted only with the attesting officer’s signature even without the attesting officer’s name and designation. Further, he submitted, “Attestation cannot be there with a scribble. There has to be stamp and seal of the officer.” After hearing the matter today, the SC vacation bench clarified that it would not interfere.