SC dismisses pleas for mandatory EVM-VVPAT tally.
The apex court also denies petitioners’ requests to revert to ballot paper voting.
In a significant decision on Friday, the Supreme Court of India rendered its verdict on petitions demanding enhanced scrutiny of votes cast through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system. The court, comprising a two-judge bench consisting of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta, delivered a unanimous verdict that rejected the petitions seeking 100 percent verification of votes using paper slips generated through the VVPAT method. Additionally, the apex court declined the prayers of the petitioners to revert to the traditional method of voting via ballot papers.
The rejection of these petitions by the Supreme Court marks a significant development in the ongoing discourse surrounding electoral integrity and transparency in India. The demand for enhanced verification measures, including the proposal for a 100 percent tally of VVPAT slips with EVM votes, has been a subject of debate and contention among various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and election watchdogs.
The use of EVMs in Indian elections has been a subject of both praise and criticism since their introduction in the late 1990s. While proponents argue that EVMs offer efficiency, accuracy, and convenience in the electoral process, critics have raised concerns regarding their vulnerability to tampering, hacking, and technical malfunctions. In response to these concerns, the Election Commission of India (ECI) introduced the VVPAT system as a supplementary measure to enhance transparency and voter confidence.
The VVPAT system enables voters to verify their votes by providing a paper trail of their choices, which is then stored in a sealed compartment within the EVM. The introduction of VVPAT was hailed as a significant step towards addressing concerns about the integrity and credibility of EVM-based elections. However, questions regarding the adequacy of VVPAT verification, particularly in detecting potential discrepancies or irregularities, have persisted.
The petitions dismissed by the Supreme Court sought to address these concerns by advocating for enhanced verification measures, including the proposal for a 100 percent tally of VVPAT slips with EVM votes. Proponents of this proposal argued that such a measure would provide greater assurance of the accuracy and reliability of election results, thereby strengthening democratic principles and safeguarding electoral integrity.
However, the Supreme Court’s decision to reject these petitions reflects a balancing act between the imperative of ensuring electoral integrity and the practical constraints associated with implementing enhanced verification measures. The court’s ruling acknowledges the importance of maintaining public trust and confidence in the electoral process while also recognizing the logistical challenges and feasibility considerations involved in conducting a 100 percent VVPAT tally.
Furthermore, the apex court’s dismissal of the prayers to revert to ballot paper voting underscores the commitment to upholding the principles of progress and modernization in the electoral process. While acknowledging the merits of traditional voting methods, the court’s decision reaffirms the faith in the efficacy and reliability of EVM-based elections, provided adequate safeguards and transparency measures are in place.
In delivering its verdict, the Supreme Court has sent a clear message regarding the sanctity of the electoral process and the need to balance transparency with practicality. While acknowledging the legitimate concerns raised by petitioners regarding electoral integrity, the court has underscored the importance of adopting a holistic approach that considers both the aspirations for enhanced transparency and the operational realities of conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
Moving forward, the Supreme Court’s decision is likely to have far-reaching implications for the future of electoral reforms in India. It underscores the need for continued dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to address concerns related to electoral integrity and transparency while also ensuring the smooth and efficient conduct of elections. As India continues its journey towards strengthening its democratic institutions, the Supreme Court’s verdict serves as a reminder of the enduring commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, justice, and the rule of law.
The Supreme Court of India has issued two crucial directives aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The first directive pertains to the sealing and storage of the Symbol Loading Unit (SLU) following the completion of the symbol loading process. According to the court’s ruling, the SLU must be sealed immediately after the completion of the symbol loading process and stored securely for a minimum period of 45 days.
This directive is significant as it ensures the preservation of crucial evidence related to the functioning of EVMs during elections. By mandating the sealing and storage of the SLU for a specified duration, the court aims to facilitate thorough scrutiny and investigation in case of any disputes or allegations regarding the integrity of the electoral process.
The second directive issued by the apex court addresses concerns regarding the transparency and verifiability of EVMs. Under this directive, candidates will have the option to request the examination of the microcontroller program of EVMs by a team of engineers after the declaration of election results. Such requests must be made by the candidates within seven days of the declaration of results.
This directive empowers candidates to seek independent verification of the microcontroller program of EVMs, thereby enhancing transparency and trust in the electoral process. By allowing candidates to scrutinize the programming of EVMs, the court seeks to provide an additional safeguard against potential tampering or manipulation of electronic voting systems.
Overall, these directives by the Supreme Court represent a significant step towards ensuring the integrity and credibility of elections in India. By imposing strict protocols for the sealing and storage of critical components of EVMs and providing candidates with the opportunity to verify the programming of EVMs, the court reaffirms its commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and electoral transparency. These directives are likely to play a crucial role in enhancing public confidence in the electoral process and promoting trust in the outcomes of elections.