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Supreme Court directs the Election Commission (EC) to meet with petitioners who demand the EC publish scanned, authenticated booth-wise vote counts (Form 17C) online after each polling phase.
The EC initially opposed public disclosure, citing no legal mandate beyond sharing with candidates/agents.
The EC now agrees to a hearing, indicating a potential shift in its transparency stance.
Form 17C is the official record of votes cast at each polling booth, required by Rule 49S and Rule 56C (2) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961
Petitioners allege significant delays and discrepancies in the EC's released voter turnout data.
These discrepancies raise concerns about data authenticity and potential EVM manipulation.
Petitioners emphasize citizens' fundamental "right to know" detailed election information.
Petitioners have 10 days to present their arguments to the EC.
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