The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India to reply to a plea seeking fresh elections in constituencies where NOTA (none of the above) garners the majority of votes. The petition, represented by author Shiv Khera, urges the EC to enact rules barring candidates who receive fewer votes than NOTA from contesting for five years. While NOTA was introduced in EVMs in 2013, its implementation varies across states. Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi, and Puducherry treat NOTA as a “fictional electoral candidate,” triggering fresh elections if it secures the highest votes. The petition seeks uniform application of these rules nationwide, stating that NOTA’s purpose is defeated if the runner-up is declared the winner.