Why Aren't Nawab Malik & Anil Deshmukh Being Allowed to Vote in RS Elections?

Section 62(5) of the RP Act says people confined in prison can't vote – which Supreme Court upheld in 1997.

At this time, it looks like neither Nawab Malik nor Anil Deshmukh – who are in custody in money laundering cases brought by the Enforcement Directorate – will be able to vote in the Rajya Sabha elections, despite their votes potentially being crucial.

The Bombay High Court has asked Maharashtra minister Malik to amend his pleas under Article 227 of the Constitution and Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and instead file a bail application before it.

While this could still lead to him getting permission to go and cast his vote, it will be logistically difficult for the new plea to be filed, for the court to hear it, and then for arrangements to be made so that Malik can be taken to the Vidhan Sabha for the vote, all in the same day.