Madras High Court Directs Election Commission to Ensure Polling Station Accessibility

The Madras High Court directed the Election Commission of India to ensure all polling stations are accessible to all voters, including those with disabilities. Emphasizing a rights-based approach, the Court highlighted physical and infrastructural barriers as impediments to electoral participation. It called for reasonable accommodations and proactive accessibility measures to uphold the fundamental right to vote. The ruling compels electoral authorities to enhance inclusion, reflecting evolving standards of disability rights and election law. This judgment underscores the judiciary’s role in securing equitable democratic participation through practical and enforceable mandates.