How many of us know about Rule 49 – O?
This rule gives us right to say NO.
Many time most of us felt that candidates does not deserve our vote but we have no choice other than sitting home or vote for one you don’t like to be your leader.
It is very unfortunate that general public is unaware of the existence of such a powerful rule. As per the 1969 act, in section “49-O” There is a system in our constitution that a person can go to the polling booth, confirm his identity, get his finger marked and convey the presiding election officer that he doesn't want to vote anyone!
This is most unexposed right is available us, but these leaders have never disclosed it for obvious reasons and it is very surprising why the election commission has not taken any step to publicy such a powerful and important rule to voters.
Next time use your right. This would bring fear into parties and hence they will look for genuine candidates for their parties for election.
Please spread this news to as many as you know. 49-O is wonderful weapon against corrupt parties in India.
Use your voting right for a better INDIA. Jai ho.
Important
Recently The Election Commission has been directed by the Madras High Court to give effect to Rule 49-O of the Conduct of Elections Rules by giving wide publicity in the electronic and print media.
Chief Justice M Y Eqbal and Justice T S Sivagnanam, while passing orders on a petition filed by S Sathia Chandran, an advocate, directed that the Commission should also make the general public aware of the existence of the said rule by publishing it in two leading English and Tamil newspapers having a wide circulation.
Advocate S Thamizharasan from Madurai who opposed an announcement by the commission that form 49-O should be obtained only after giving one's full address and particulars in the voter's list.
Pointing out that this was against the principles of democracy; Thamizharasan said that the voting procedure is a secret ballot system. "If anybody gives his full address to cast his vote under 49-O, then he will be identified, secluded and condemne.
Asserting that a person who wants to exercise the 49-O option should be treated on a par with a voter casting his vote for any contestant, the petitioner also sought for the Election Commission to provide a 49-O' column on every voting machine.
