Election Commission allows use of indelible ink for stamping ‘home quarantined’

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has allowed usage of indelible ink by health authorities for stamping ‘home quarantined’ on the hands of those suspected of being infected with the new coronavirus, easing its policy of using the ink only for voting purposes.
The EC’s sou-moto decision was communicated to the secretary, health ministry, all chief electoral officers across states, and to the sole manufacturer of the indelible ink, Mysore Paints & Varnish Limited, a Karnataka government undertaking.

The poll panel has, however, said authorities should be instructed not to use the ink on any finger of the left hand, as under Rule 49K of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, the left forefinger of electors is required to be marked with indelible ink at the polling stations before a vote is cast.

It also suggested the health ministry may standardise the mark and the location on the body where the ink is to be applied. The indelible ink mark normally stays for three days when applied on the skin.