Madhya Pradesh: FIR against 17 for sharing voting booth photos on social media

BHOPAL: A case has been registered against 17 voters for allegedly capturing images with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and disseminating them on social media platforms during the voting process in Sironj constituency of Vidisha district in Madhya Pradesh.
Prompted by a social worker's complaint, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Sironj took cognizance of the matter and initiated actions for violating the Election Commission's regulations.
This act directly contravenes the guidelines outlined by the Election Commission. Despite instructions prohibiting mobile phones and cameras within the polling stations during the assembly elections, several voters defied these directives, said police. They not only captured photos while casting their votes using EVM machines but also irresponsibly shared them on social media platforms.
The complaint stated the significance of maintaining voting confidentiality, citing the violation under Section 128 of the Representation of the People Act. The act of publicizing voting booth photos was highlighted as a disregard for the sanctity of the electoral process. Complainant spotlighted the potential impact such actions might have on future elections, questioning the competence of election personnel present at the polling stations.
Harshal Chaudhary, SDM of Sironj District in Vidisha, told media that the complaint brought forward by the concerned social workers demanded action against those breaching the confidentiality of their votes. “The Sironj administration has taken this matter seriously and proceeded to register an FIR against the 17 individuals involved. Immediate and stringent actions have been initiated," officer added.