Karnataka HC orders re-verification of rejected postal ballots in Sringeri seat

The Karnataka High Court has directed a re-verification of 279 rejected postal ballots in the Sringeri Assembly constituency , bringing renewed focus to concerns over the handling of postal votes in closely contested elections.

The order was issued by Justice R. Nataraj while hearing an election petition filed by D. N. Jeevaraj , who challenged the victory of T. D. Rajegowda in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections . Rajegowda had won the seat by a narrow margin of 201 votes , making the rejected postal ballots a potentially decisive factor.

In its order, the court instructed that the Returning Officer (RO) must re-examine the rejected ballots. If discrepancies are found that could affect the outcome, the RO has been directed to conduct a recount of the postal ballots and declare the result accordingly .

The case underscores broader concerns about transparency and procedural accuracy in postal ballot scrutiny , particularly in tight electoral contests where even a small number of votes can influence the final outcome.

However, the court stayed the implementation of its order for two weeks , following a request by Rajegowda’s counsel. This interim relief allows the sitting legislator to approach the Supreme Court of India to challenge the directive.

The development has once again highlighted the critical role of postal ballots and the need for robust verification mechanisms to ensure electoral integrity.