CHAPTER III.--Electoral OffencesCentral

Section 132A of The Representation of the People Act, 1951

Penalty for failure to observe procedure for voting.

1[132A. Penalty for failure to observe procedure for voting--If any elector to whom a ballot paper has been issued, refused to observe the procedure prescribed for voting the ballot paper issued to him shall be liable for cancellation.]

Summary

This provision ensures that every voter follows the correct, established steps for casting their vote.
If a person receives a ballot paper but then refuses to follow the rules of the voting process, their ballot will be cancelled.
It specifically targets the moment after a ballot paper has been issued to the voter.
The penalty is the immediate loss of the right to have that specific vote counted.

Practical examples

1At the local community centre booth, Ravi takes his ballot paper but refuses to go into the private screened area to mark it, insisting on doing it in public. Because he is refusing the prescribed procedure, the official cancels his ballot paper under the 1951 election law.

2Anjali is given a ballot paper but then tries to show her marked vote to everyone in the room before putting it in the box. Since this violates the secret voting procedure, her ballot is cancelled under the rules of the 1951 Act.

FAQ

1. What happens if I refuse to follow the voting steps under Section 132A of the 1951 Act?

According to Section 132A of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, if you refuse to observe the procedure, the ballot paper issued to you shall be liable for cancellation.

2. Does the 1951 Act mention any jail time for failing to follow voting steps?

No, Section 132A of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, only mentions the cancellation of the ballot paper as the consequence.

3. Can my ballot be cancelled if I just make a mistake under the election law?

Section 132A of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, specifically mentions a person who "refused" to observe the procedure, suggesting a deliberate act rather than a simple error.

Test yourself

1.Under Section 132A of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, what is the consequence for a voter who refuses to follow the voting procedure?

2.To whom does Section 132A of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, specifically apply?

3.In contrast to Section 131 or 132 of the 1951 Act, does Section 132A list a prison sentence?

4.If a person is removed for misconduct under Section 132 and then their ballot is cancelled under Section 132A of the 1951 Act, which section deals with the physical removal?

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