'Hands-off approach' needed: SC refuses to direct EC to upload voter turnout data amid Lok Sabha elections

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Also Read:Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 60% updated voter turnout in phase 5 polling, slightly less than 2019The court stated that it cannot issue any such directions at the moment as five phases of polling have concluded and two remain and it would be difficult for the poll panel to mobilise manpower.The apex court also adjourned the interlocutory application (IA) filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) to be listed before the regular bench after the elections, reported PTI.The court pointed out that prima facie it appears the prayers in the application are similar to the main petition pending since 2019 on the issue."This (IA) has to be taken with the pending writ petition because in between the elections, a hands-off approach has to be adopted," the court said."Granting any relief in IA will amount to granting relief in the main petition which is pending," PTI reported quoting the bench.Also Read: 'Could be exploited…': ECI opposes release of booth-wise voter turnout data, files affidavit in Supreme CourtIt said it needs to understand the ground reality and not overburden the poll panel by changing the process midway.The ADR has filed an interim application in its 2019 PIL seeking directions to the poll panel that "scanned legible copies of Form 17C Part-I (Account of Votes Recorded)" of all polling stations be uploaded immediately after the polls.On May 17, the top court had sought within a week the Election Commission's response on the NGO's plea seeking a direction to upload polling station-wise voter turnout data on its website within 48 hours of the conclusion of polling for each phase of the Lok Sabha elections.Also Read: 'Correct star campaigners' discourses': EC raps Congress and BJP, asks them to