The Supreme Court on Friday, May 24, refused to direct the Election Commission of India to publish the booth-wise numbers of voter turnout and upload copies of Form 17C (which reflects the votes polled in each polling station) on its website within 48 hours of polling, saying it could not do so amid elections. The court adjourned the hearing on pleas.

It's a pity that SC fell short of the expectations of the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), representing the people of India, anxious to save democracy in the coming elections. The matter is urgent and serious. The 2024 elections are crucial to the survival of democracy in India.

The Modi government is already killing the Constitution bit by bit and has announced its total 'death' (change) if they are 400 paar (beyond 400 votes)! Every citizen is anxious about defeating the BJP and bringing the INDIAlliance to power. The real danger is the Modi Government's probable manipulation of the EVM! In this context, the SC has given free rein to the EC to add votes after the voting is concluded in polling stations!

Has not the SC taken the oath to safeguard the Constitution? Could not the judges postpone their vacation a little further? As a citizen, I am shocked to hear them excuse themselves: "…We cannot interrupt something. To take it further, we can do it. We are also responsible citizens. Let us trust some authority. We will keep it pending and will be heard along with the writ petition after the elections are over. In between elections, a hands off attitude has to be there," said Justice Datta.

'Let us trust some authority"? Whose authority? The EC's? A body whose members are appointed without the approval of the SC? Or PM Modi's? He who has betrayed the trust of the people umpteen times? It is a matter of life and death for "We, the people of India," and do you want to keep your hands off the matter? The SC seems to have bent before the EC!

God save democracy on June 4!