GK Question

polity medium fill_blank

The 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option was introduced in Indian elections following a Supreme Court judgment in ______ case (2013).

  1. People's Union for Civil Liberties
  2. Association for Democratic Reforms
  3. Common Cause
  4. Nandini Sundar

Answer: People's Union for Civil Liberties

PUCL v. Union of India (2013): SC directed ECI to provide NOTA option in EVMs/ballot papers to enable voters to reject all candidates if dissatisfied. NOTA votes don't affect election outcome (candidate with most votes wins regardless), but serves as expression of dissent. Debate continues on making NOTA consequential (e.g., fresh elections if NOTA gets majority).

Topic Electoral Reforms - NOTA Introduction
Exam Relevance Electoral reform through judicial intervention question for UPSC and current affairs exams