Gujarat Tops Election FIRs: EC Data on Poll-Related Cases

Elections in India are not only about rallies, campaigning and political preparations. The use of money and other election-related violations also remain a major concern, particularly when authorities seize cash or other assets suspected to have been used to influence voters or violate electoral rules.

The Election Commission has placed data before the Supreme Court covering the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections held between 2019 and 2025. The information includes FIRs, investigations, cases closed, acquittals and convictions.

One of the key findings is that Gujarat recorded the highest number of FIRs among states during both the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Gujarat recorded 35,144 FIRs in 2019

During the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Gujarat registered 35,144 FIRs, the highest among the states listed in the data. Uttar Pradesh followed with 19,209 cases, Maharashtra with 18,928 and West Bengal with 17,493.

Rajasthan recorded 8,652 FIRs, Telangana 8,550, Andhra Pradesh 6,489, Tamil Nadu 5,106, Punjab 4,869 and Karnataka 4,609.

Gujarat again topped the list in 2024

The trend continued during the 2024 Lok Sabha election, when Gujarat recorded 52,820 FIRs, significantly higher than its 2019 figure.

Maharashtra followed with 29,545 FIRs, West Bengal with 27,461 and Uttar Pradesh with 23,645. Telangana registered 23,087 cases, while Rajasthan recorded 12,746. Karnataka had 7,588 FIRs, Tamil Nadu 5,948 and Andhra Pradesh 5,043.

Across the country, 3,87,430 FIRs were registered during the 2024 Lok Sabha election. According to the data presented, 1,66,044 cases resulted in convictions, while 1,06,841 cases remained pending at the trial stage.

FIR figures do not automatically mean black money use
The number of FIRs should not be interpreted directly as the amount of black money allegedly used during an election. FIRs can relate to a wide range of election-related offences and violations.

However, the figures provide an indication of the states and elections where a large number of cases connected with electoral offences were registered.

Investigation and timely action also under focus. The registration of an FIR is only the first step. The speed and effectiveness of subsequent investigation and legal action are equally important.

The Supreme Court has stressed the need for timely investigation and action in election-related cases. The broader objective is to ensure transparency in cases involving seized cash or other assets during elections and to prevent such cases from remaining pending for unnecessarily long periods.

The data therefore highlights not only the scale of election-related cases but also the importance of ensuring that investigations and legal proceedings are completed efficiently and transparently.