New Delhi: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud urged citizens not to miss the opportunity to vote and fulfill their civic duty by participating in the upcoming general elections. CJI expressed his view in a video for the Election Commission's 'My Vote My Voice' campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Justice Chandrachud said, "We are citizens of the world's largest democracy, which is our country".


"The Constitution gives us a multitude of rights as citizens but it also expects that each of us performs the duty, which is cast upon us. And one of the foremost duties of citizenship is to cast a vote in a constitutional democracy", PTI quoted the Chief Justice as saying.


"I will request every one of you please do not miss this opportunity to vote responsibly as citizens of our great motherland. Five minutes, every five years for our nation. It's doable, isn't it? Let's vote with pride. My vote, my voice", CJI Chandrachud further added.


Justice Chandrachud reiterated the crucial role of citizens in the electoral process, emphasising that the government is truly a product of the people's choices. Recalling his own anticipation as a first-time voter, he mentioned about the pride and patriotism felt while waiting in line to cast a ballot.


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"The ink on the finger when I vote allows tremendous feelings of patriotism and association with the nation", he said.  He praised the constitutional principle of "one citizen, one vote, one value," underscoring its significance in preserving India's strength as a democratic nation, as per PTI.


The Chief Justice of India expressed his steadfast commitment to exercising his voting right, recalling that even during his days as a busy lawyer, he never failed to fulfill this duty.


As for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, they are scheduled to take place from April 19 to June 1, 2024, aiming to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The elections will unfold in seven phases, with the results slated to be announced on June 4, 2024.