The Gujarat State Election Commission (SEC) today told the Gujarat High Court that it had taken 'concrete and ample' steps to spread awareness among people about the use of NOTA (none of the above) option for the upcoming local body polls.
The submission came a day after the High Court asked the SEC to file its reply on the issue.
Advocate K R Koshti had moved a petition claiming that no adequate steps have been taken by the SEC to educate people about how to use the NOTA button on EVM machines during polling.
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In it's affidavit, the SEC informed the HC that it had already started a publicity campaign for creating awareness using various modes, such as television, radio and newspapers.
The SEC also provided a CD containing video advertisement being sent to Doordarshan for broadcast.
Voting for six municipal corporations of Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Bhavnagar will take place on November 22, while 31 district panchayats, 230 taluka panchayats and 56 municipalities will go to polls on November 29.
While hearing the matter, Justice A G Uraizee expressed satisfaction on the submissions made by the SEC and asked it to continue the campaign at least till November 21.
"SEC has taken steps to create awareness amongst the staff and also voters about NOTA through certain media. As of now, this Court feels that SEC shall continue its efforts of creating awareness amongst all stake-holders regarding NOTA," the Court order stated.
The HC adjourned the matter till November 24.
