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Key Points

The Kerala High Court has asked the State Election Commission to respond to a petition challenging a polling booth set up in a mosque. The petitioners argue this violates guidelines requiring neutral polling stations and could influence voters religiously. They cited previous violence at the same location during 2020 elections. The court will hear the matter again on September 15 after the SEC files its response.

Key Points: Kerala HC Seeks SEC Response on Mosque Polling Booth Plea

  • Petition argues mosque polling booth violates SEC's own circular on neutral venues
  • Court gives SEC until September 15 to file response statement
  • Previous violence occurred at same mosque during 2020 panchayat elections
  • Petitioners suggested alternative neutral venues like Anganwadi center
2 min read

Kerala HC seeks SEC's response on plea against polling booth in mosque

Kerala High Court directs State Election Commission to respond to petition challenging mosque polling booth in Kizhakkambalam, citing neutrality and secularism concerns.

"Places of worship are closely tied to religious sentiments and community identity. Holding polls there may indirectly influence voters - Petition"

Kochi, Sep 8

The Kerala High Court on Monday directed the State Election Commission (SEC) to respond to a petition challenging the decision to set up a polling station at a mosque in Kummanodu ward of Kizhakkambalam panchayat in Ernakulam district for the upcoming local body elections.

The local body polls are likely to be held towards the end of the year.

Justice C.S. Dias, after a brief hearing, posted the matter for further consideration on September 15.

"Learned Standing Counsel seeks time to file a statement. Post next Monday," the court ordered.

The petition was filed by the Twenty 20 Party along with Sreesha P.D., a resident of the ward.

They contended that designating a mosque as a polling booth violates the SEC’s own guidelines and undermines the principles of neutrality and secularism.

According to the plea, the SEC had, through a circular dated January 25, instructed district election officers to avoid places of worship, hospitals, and police stations while selecting polling stations to ensure that voters cast their ballots in a safe and neutral environment.

The petitioners argued that locating a polling booth inside a place of worship could create an impression that the electoral process is influenced by a particular religion, contrary to constitutional principles.

"Places of worship are closely tied to religious sentiments and community identity. Holding polls there may indirectly influence voters and intimidate members of other communities," the plea stated.

The petition also recalled that during the 2020 panchayat elections, violence had erupted at the same mosque when it was used as a polling booth, forcing authorities to shift the centre during subsequent Assembly and Lok Sabha polls.

Despite alternative suggestions, including using an Anganwadi centre or the Government UP School in Kummanodu, the Panchayat Secretary allegedly pushed through the proposal to set up the booth at the mosque without proper consultation.

On August 20, Sreesha and other voters had submitted a representation to the District Collector (Election) seeking relocation of the polling booth to a neutral venue, but their request was ignored, prompting them to approach the High Court.

Twenty20 Kizhakkambalam is a nonprofit charitable organisation promoted by Kitex Garments, an export company which is part of the Anna Kitex Group.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a Keralite, I appreciate the court stepping in. We've seen violence at this same mosque before during elections. Why repeat the same mistake? There are better alternatives available.
M
Michael C
While I understand the concerns about neutrality, if the mosque authorities are willing and it's accessible to all voters, maybe it could work? But given the past violence, probably best to avoid.
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Suresh O
The Panchayat Secretary should be held accountable for pushing this without proper consultation. Voters from other communities might feel uncomfortable. Elections should be inclusive for everyone.
A
Ananya R
Good that Twenty20 Party is taking this up. We need more such interventions to protect our democratic values. The school or Anganwadi would be much better options for polling.
D
David E
Interesting case. In many countries, places of worship are used as polling stations without issues. But given India's specific context and past incidents, perhaps neutrality should be prioritized.

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