Understanding Candidate Photographs on Ballot Papers in Indian Elections

The question asks us to identify the incorrect statements regarding the use of candidate photographs on ballot papers in Indian elections. Let's analyze each statement based on the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines and past practices.

Analyzing Statement (a): First Use in June 2016 By-polls

Statement (a) says: "In June 2016, by polls to six seats in five States were first elections where photographs of candidates were used on ballot papers."

While candidate photographs were indeed used in the by-polls held in June 2016, these were not the absolute first instances. The Election Commission of India had taken the decision to introduce candidate photographs on ballot papers to help voters identify candidates correctly, especially when candidates have similar names. This measure was implemented in some earlier elections as well. For example, candidate photographs were reportedly used in the Bihar Assembly elections in late 2015. Therefore, claiming the June 2016 by-polls were the 'first elections' for this practice is inaccurate.

Based on this, statement (a) is incorrect.

Analyzing Statement (b): Placement of Photograph

Statement (b) says: "The photograph will appear between the name of the candidate and his or her election symbol."

According to the standard layout adopted by the Election Commission of India for ballot papers (both on Electronic Voting Machines and postal ballots), the information for each candidate is typically displayed in the sequence: Candidate's Name, Candidate's Photograph, and Candidate's Election Symbol. This arrangement helps voters easily associate the name, face, and symbol. Therefore, the photograph appearing between the name and the election symbol is the correct procedure.

Based on this, statement (b) is correct.

Analyzing Statement (c): Failure to Provide Photograph as Ground for Rejection

Statement (c) says: "If a candidate fails to provide the photograph, it shall be ground for the rejection of the nomination of candidate."

The Election Commission of India mandates that candidates provide their recent photograph along with the nomination papers. However, the ECI guidelines explicitly state that failure to provide the photograph is not a ground for the rejection of the nomination paper by the Returning Officer. While providing the photograph is a requirement for printing on the ballot paper, the nomination itself is not invalidated solely due to the absence of the photograph. The Returning Officer would proceed to accept the nomination, but the ballot paper might be printed without the candidate's photograph.

Based on this, statement (c) is incorrect.

Identifying the Incorrect Statements

From our analysis:

• Statement (a) is incorrect.
• Statement (b) is correct.
• Statement (c) is incorrect.

The question asks for the incorrect statements. The incorrect statements are (a) and (c).

Therefore, the option that lists only statements (a) and (c) is the correct answer.