The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to clarify its stand within four weeks on Election Commission's request to do away with counting of votes on a booth-wise basis.

The apex court also sought a response from the Election Commission on whether it can be done without bringing any amendment to existing rules. A bench headed by Chief Justice R M Lodha said, counting of votes on a booth-wise basis can result in vindictive approach of the winning candidates.

It questioned why the Centre has referred the issue to Law Commission and has not taken any decision in the last five years.

The bench was hearing a Public Interest Litigation, PIL, filed by a Punjab-based advocate.