New Delhi: The distinguished Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, has passionately implored the populace not to forgo the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming general elections, emphasizing it as the “foremost responsibilities” in a constitutional democracy. Through a recorded visual communication addressing the Election Commission’s ‘My Vote My Voice’ initiative for the impending 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Justice Chandrachud articulated, “We are inhabitants of the world’s most populous democracy, which is our nation.
“The Charter bestows upon us an array of entitlements as citizens, yet it also anticipates that each of us fulfills the obligation laid upon us. And one of the primary responsibilities of citizenship is to exercise the franchise in a constitutional democracy,” he articulated.
“I would humbly urge each and every one of you to seize this chance to vote conscientiously as denizens of our illustrious motherland. A mere five minutes, once every five years for our nation. Is it not achievable? Let us cast our votes with a sense of pride. My ballot, my declaration,” the CJI expressed. Justice Chandrachud emphasized that citizens have a participative function in the election of the administration, hence the often-heard phrase, “this administration is a government of the people, by the people and for the people”.
He reminisced about his exhilaration as a novice voter, standing in line at the polling station to exercise his electoral right. “The indelible ink on the finger during voting evokes profound sentiments of love for one’s country and an affiliation with the nation…,” he shared. “Thus, our Constitution and legal system stipulate for every citizen, one vote and one value. I believe that embodies the remarkable tenacity and strength of our nation as a constitutional democracy,” he expounded.
The Chief Justice shared that he never neglected his duty to cast his ballot even during his tenure as a legal practitioner, despite the demands of his professional commitments. The Lok Sabha elections are slated to transpire from April 19 to June 1, 2024, aimed at electing the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The electoral process will unfold across seven phases, with the outcome slated for announcement on June 4, 2024.
