NOTA

Sub: Provision for `None of the Above’ option on ballot paper for elections to Rajya Sabha. The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in their judgment dated 27-09-2013 in WP (c) No. 161 of 2004, inter alia, directed that the option of `None of the Above’ (NOTA) shall be provided on the ballot papers/EVMs. In pursuance of this direction, the Commission issued instructions on 11th October, 2013 for providing NOTA option on the ballot after the name of the last candidate. Later, in January, 2014, the Commission issued directions that the provision of NOTA shall also be applicable in the elections to Rajya Sabha, and issued instructions to this effect vide circular letter dated 24th January, 2014. Immediately thereafter biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha were held in 16 States. Poll was taken on 7th February, 2014 where elections were contested. Instructions regarding NOTA option were applicable in these elections onwards. 2. On 27th February, 2014, while extending the NOTA option to Legislative Council elections, further instructions were issued regarding the manner of marking vote with NOTA option on the ballot paper. Later, on 12th November, 2015, more detailed instructions were issued regarding the manner of voting including opting of NOTA option with illustrative examples. 3. From January, 2014, biennial elections to Rajya Sabha covering all States and 25 bye-elections to Rajya Sabha have been held. A list of States where biennial elections to Rajya Sabha have been held from 2014 onwards is attached.