The Rajasthan State Election Commission has refused permission for Rajasthan Election Watch to conduct voter awareness campaigns during the ongoing Panchayati Raj elections, citing security, logistical and administrative pressures in the final phase of polling.
In a two-page reply dated November 7 to a legal notice issued by advocate Prashant Bhushan on November 6, the commission said the state was in a “final and sensitive phase” of the three-tier rural elections. It said extensive police and administrative deployment was required at polling stations, sensitive booths and strong rooms, as well as for patrolling and other election-related duties.
The SEC also referred to visits, rallies and public meetings involving senior political figures, which it said had increased pressure on the administration to maintain law and order. According to the commission, simultaneous meetings and rallies by external organisations could make security arrangements and administrative coordination more difficult during the polls.
Rajasthan Election Watch had proposed voter awareness campaigns in 18 areas, including districts such as Beawar, Jaipur, Salumber and Tonk, before the fourth phase of the elections. The SEC said the organisation had identified possible campaign areas but had not provided specific details, including dates and routes, which it described as necessary for assessing the proposal.
The commission maintained that its decision was based on logistical constraints and not on an attempt to restrict independent voter education. It also pointed to voter education initiatives already being conducted through official Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation, or SVEEP, programmes and electronic media campaigns.
The response followed a Supreme Court order dated November 2 directing the commission to reconsider Rajasthan Election Watch’s request within two days. The SEC said it had complied with the direction by reconsidering the application and issuing a reasoned order on November 4.
Bhushan has challenged that position, questioning the commission’s authority under Article 243K of the Constitution and other relevant laws to restrict peaceful voter awareness activities. He has alleged that the commission does not have the power to impose such restrictions and has referred to Rajasthan Election Watch’s previous campaigns during the 2020 Panchayat elections.
Bhushan has also sought withdrawal of the November 4 order and permission for the campaign to proceed without what he described as bureaucratic obstacles. The competing positions place the dispute at the intersection of election logistics and the role of non-government organisations in informing voters during local polls.
The SEC’s latest reply does not grant permission for the proposed campaign. The commission’s stated position remains that security and coordination requirements during the ongoing election phases justified the denial, while Bhushan’s side is seeking its reversal.
