Constitutional Basis: Article 326 of the Indian Constitution guarantees universal adult suffrage, stating that elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assembly of every State shall be on the basis of adult suffrage.

Nature of Right: The Supreme Court has clarified that while it is a constitutional right (under Article 326) and a statutory right (under Representation of the People Acts), it is not a fundamental right under Part III of the Constitution.

Eligibility Criteria: A person must be a citizen of India, 18 years of age or above, ordinarily resident in a constituency, and not disqualified under any law.

Disqualification Grounds: A person can be disqualified from voting on grounds such as non-residence, unsoundness of mind, conviction for certain crimes, or corrupt/illegal practices related to elections, as specified in the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Inclusion and Exclusion: The electoral roll revision process (managed by the ECI) is designed to ensure that all eligible voters are included and ineligible ones are excluded, strictly following due procedure.

Importance: The right to vote is crucial for democratic participation, holding representatives accountable, and ensuring the legitimacy of the government.

Forms of Disenfranchisement: Can occur through administrative errors (e.g., wrongful deletion from rolls), lack of awareness among voters, discriminatory practices, or legal restrictions (e.g., for prisoners, though debated).

Protection against Disenfranchisement: The ECI is mandated to ensure that no eligible voter is left out and that deletions are done only after proper verification and opportunity for objection.

Voter ID (EPIC): The Electoral Photo Identity Card serves as proof of identity and residence for voters, facilitating the exercise of the right to vote.

Constitutional Basis: Article 326 of the Indian Constitution guarantees universal adult suffrage, stating that elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assembly of every State shall be on the basis of adult suffrage.

Nature of Right: The Supreme Court has clarified that while it is a constitutional right (under Article 326) and a statutory right (under Representation of the People Acts), it is not a fundamental right under Part III of the Constitution.

Eligibility Criteria: A person must be a citizen of India, 18 years of age or above, ordinarily resident in a constituency, and not disqualified under any law.

Disqualification Grounds: A person can be disqualified from voting on grounds such as non-residence, unsoundness of mind, conviction for certain crimes, or corrupt/illegal practices related to elections, as specified in the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Inclusion and Exclusion: The electoral roll revision process (managed by the ECI) is designed to ensure that all eligible voters are included and ineligible ones are excluded, strictly following due procedure.

Importance: The right to vote is crucial for democratic participation, holding representatives accountable, and ensuring the legitimacy of the government.

Forms of Disenfranchisement: Can occur through administrative errors (e.g., wrongful deletion from rolls), lack of awareness among voters, discriminatory practices, or legal restrictions (e.g., for prisoners, though debated).

Protection against Disenfranchisement: The ECI is mandated to ensure that no eligible voter is left out and that deletions are done only after proper verification and opportunity for objection.

Voter ID (EPIC): The Electoral Photo Identity Card serves as proof of identity and residence for voters, facilitating the exercise of the right to vote.