The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday allowed the use of indelible ink, which it exclusively uses to mark the index finger during voting, to stamp the hand of people who have been advised to stay under home quarantine for coronavirus. The EC took the decision after a suo motu review against the backdrop of various State Governments having already started using the indelible ink.
The EC, however, clarified that the indelible ink mark is normally expected to last for three days when applied on the skin but lasts for a few weeks on the fingernail till the nail grows out. Usually, people are kept under home quarantine for a period of 14 days. People in several States like Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka are putting stamps on the back of the palm of those put under home quarantine.
The EC made it clear that the authorities should not useindelible ink on any finger on the left hand of any persons and it should not be used for any other purpose. In a statement, it said,
"Due to extraordinary circumstances because of COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission has reviewed its decision suo-moto and it is decided to allow usage of Indelible Ink on persons for stamping for home quarantine by health authorities with the conditions."
"As per the provisions of 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 the elector is allowed to vote. Subrule (4) of the said Rule 49K provides that in cases where the elector does not have forefinger on the left hand, the ink is to be marked on any finger on his left hand, and if he does not have any finger on his left hand, the ink is to be marked on his right forefinger. Hence, concerned authorities shall be instructed not to use the Indelible Ink on any finger on the left hand of any persons," read the statement.
“The Ministry may standardise mark and location on the body where the mark has to be applied so that it does not affect the conduct of any poll. The authorities concerned should be instructed to maintain the record of the persons to whom Indelible Ink is applied. The authorities should also be instructed to ensure that the Indelible Ink shall not be used for any other purpose,” the EC said.