India’s Democracy: The Secret Formulation Powering Elections Since 1962

Dr. Nahar Singh, a chemist at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in New Delhi, holds a vial of indelible ink, the exact formulation of which only he knows. This ink, a water-based formulation containing a combination of silver nitrate, various dyes, and solvents, leaves a near-permanent imprint on the nail and skin within forty seconds of application. Developed after India’s independence, it serves as a mark of freedom and has become a symbol of the country’s robust democracy. Since 1962, all parliamentary elections in India have utilized this ink to mark voters and prevent double voting and impersonation.

The secret formulation of the ink, held by Dr. Singh, has never been revealed, and no patent has been taken on it to maintain its super secrecy. The legend has it that the ink was initially developed by a chemist from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Salimuzzaman Siddiqui, and later further developed by his colleagues at NPL. For the 2024 elections, the MPVL has supplied ink worth Rs 58 crore to the Election Commission of India. Despite its semi-permanent nature, the indelible ink is not harmful to the skin and contains 10-18% silver nitrate, which is considered safe.

It has been integral in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, preventing voter fraud, and ensuring fairness and transparency in Indian elections. The mark of freedom has also been supplied to around 35 countries, and according to MPVL CEO Mohammed Irfan, it has a success rate of nearly a billionth of a billionth person. This mark, considered as a symbol of freedom, is also recognized by several other democracies and has contributed to ensuring the integrity of elections in those countries.