The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition claiming that the incidence of cash-for-vote was on the rise in Tamil Nadu, saying the Lok Sabha polls in the State were already over.
“As the elections in the State of Tamil Nadu are over, we are not inclined to entertain this special leave petition. The same is, accordingly, dismissed,” a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi ordered.
However, the court has kept alive the issues arising from the petition for consideration “at an appropriate time and stage as may arise”.
The petition, filed by Chennai-based social worker K.K. Ramesh, cited the recent pre-dawn Income Tax raids on the premises of DMK leaders in Vellore district.
The petition said the act of buying votes denied “an equal voice for some voters and an equal chance for some candidates”.
“Taking money for casting votes in favour of a candidate is a mean act, like auctioning the self-esteem of an individual. Voters should shun cash for their votes,” Mr. Ramesh said in his petition.