On Thursday, the Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, clarified that while voting is crucial for democracy, citizens cannot be forced to vote. The court dismissed a petition seeking penalties for non-voters, stating that such measures belong to the legislative domain. The bench argued that awareness campaigns are more effective than coercion in promoting electoral participation. Chief Justice Kant highlighted that various factors, including economic hardships, may prevent individuals from voting, reinforcing that participation should not be mandated. The court reiterated that voting is a statutory right under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, rather than a fundamental obligation. While some countries have implemented compulsory voting laws, India has yet to adopt any such measures, keeping the debate largely legislative.