PROF BOOKED FOR REFUSING TO WORK AS POLL OFFICER DUE TO EVM SUSPICION

MUMBAI: An election officer from Yavatmal district filed an FIR against a college professor who refused to work for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, citing ideological opposition to electronic voting machines (EVMS). Sagar Jadhav, a professor at Amolakchand College in Yavatmal, was appointed as presiding officer for the general election, with the government sending him a letter on March 14. In response, Jadhav sent a letter by post on March 18, stating his belief that the general election should be conducted using ballot paper instead of EVMS.

In his letter, he stated, “I believe that the election process using EVMS is unreliable for the people of India. As a citizen, I object to participating in the election process through EVMS for the protection of democracy, as per Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.” He requested that his representation be considered sympathetically and that the use of ballot papers be ordered. Jadhav has served as a presiding officer in every election since 2004. “Currently, there is widespread opposition to EVMS in the country, and public opinion holds that the EVM system threatens Indian democracy,” he said.

Following Jadhav’s letter, local deputy tahsildar Eknath Bijwe lodged a complaint with the Awdhutwadi police station on behalf of sub-divisional officer and assistant election decision officer Gopal Deshpande, under Section 134, 188 of the IPC. Investigations are ongoing. Section 134 of the act states that if any person is without reasonable cause guilty of any act or omission in breach of his official duty, he shall be punishable with a fine ₹500 or more. Despite repeated attempts, Jadhav was not available for comment.