Indelible Ink Explained: How India’s Election Safeguard Works and Why It’s in the News

Indelible Ink in Indian Elections and the Maharashtra Municipal Poll Controversy

The purple mark on a voter’s finger has long been a powerful symbol of electoral integrity in India. Known as indelible ink , it serves as a visible safeguard against multiple voting. However, during recent municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra, this routine mechanism has come under scrutiny, with Opposition parties alleging that the ink is fading or being removed easily, raising concerns about possible electoral malpractice.

What Is Indelible Ink and Why Is It Used?

Indelible ink is applied to a voter’s finger immediately after a ballot is cast. Its primary function is to clearly indicate that the individual has already voted, thereby preventing impersonation or repeat voting. The mark is designed to remain visible for several days and should not be removable through normal washing with soap or water.

As a low-cost and low-technology solution, indelible ink has been one of the most effective deterrents against electoral fraud in large-scale democratic exercises.

History and Chemical Composition

India began using indelible ink in elections in 1962 , following a decision by the Election Commission of India to strengthen safeguards against electoral malpractices.

The ink’s key ingredient is silver nitrate , a chemical that reacts with keratin in the skin and darkens when exposed to light. This reaction produces a stain that remains until the outer layer of the skin naturally sheds. A visible dye is added to ensure that the mark is immediately noticeable after application.

Manufacture and Application Process

The formulation of India’s indelible ink was developed in the early 1950s by the National Physical Laboratory of India . It is manufactured exclusively by Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd , a Karnataka government undertaking, under contracts with the Election Commission and the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.

The ink is typically applied on the left index finger , across the nail and cuticle. It may be brushed on or administered using marker pens. Polling officials are instructed to apply the ink only after the voting process is completed.

Maharashtra Municipal Poll Controversy

During the recent Maharashtra municipal elections, videos circulated on social media allegedly showing indelible ink marks being removed using sanitiser or nail polish remover, particularly in cases where marker pens were used. This triggered political criticism, with Raj Thackeray , chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, accusing authorities of weakening electoral safeguards.

Election officials, including State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare , responded by stating that elections are protected by multiple layers of verification , including voter rolls and identity checks. Officials also noted that marker pens have been permitted in local body elections since 2011 , and that isolated videos do not undermine the overall integrity of the process.

Why Indelible Ink Still Matters

Despite periodic controversies, indelible ink remains a cornerstone of India’s electoral system. Authorities emphasise that while no single measure is foolproof, the ink works in tandem with procedural checks to ensure free and fair elections, especially in a country with a vast and diverse electorate.