A. C. JOSE vs SIVAN PILLAI & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the Election Commission's directive to use electronic voting machines was without jurisdiction, as it contravened the Representation of the People Act 1951 and the Conduct of Election Rules 1961, which prescribe manual voting methods. The Court emphasized that the Commission cannot innovate a new voting method that conflicts with existing laws. The judgment reinforced that the powers of the Commission are meant to supplement, not supplant, statutory provisions regarding election conduct, as per Article 324 of the Constitution of India.