In the EVM VVPAT Case, the Supreme Court dealt a decisive blow to INDI Alliance and its supporters. These ‘Doubting Thomases’ used all possible methods to cast aspersions on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems. However, pronouncing two concurring verdicts, an SC bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta firmly upheld the credibility of EVM. Then it dismissed petitions seeking a return to paper ballot voting. Let’s talk!
EVM VVPAT – Judicial Safeguards and Transparency Measures
The Supreme Court’s rejection of all petitions, including those advocating for a reversion to ballot papers, reaffirms its confidence in the efficacy of EVMs integrated with VVPATs. Justice Khanna emphasized this stance by the court, underlining the importance of maintaining the current electoral process.
While rejecting the pleas for 100% verification of EVM VVPAT votes, the Supreme Court introduced measures to address concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process.
Firstly, the court permitted the verification of EVM microcontrollers by the manufacturer post-election results, upon request from candidates who secured second and third positions. However, this would require extra payment. This decision aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process, offering candidates a mechanism to address any perceived discrepancies.
Secondly, the Supreme Court said that the containers containing symbol loading units will be sealed only in the presence of polling agents and candidates 45 days before polls. This will ensure the security of critical components during elections.
Finally, the bench stated that the engineers from manufacturing companies will verify the control unit, ballot unit, and VVPAT upon written request within seven days of the declaration of results.
INDI Alliance and Supporters Stunned After SC Verdict
The judgment puts all debates surrounding the efficacy of EVMs to rest. INDI Alliances’ calls for a return to paper ballot voting were completely and irrevocably rejected.
The bench asserted that doubts about EMs cannot be allowed to “control the elections.”
Additionally, the SC bench underscored the need to rely on established electoral processes.Â
Throughout the proceedings, the court sought clarification from the ECI regarding the functionality of EVMs. All queries about the reprogrammability of microcontrollers and VVPAT were answered suitably. However, an NGO named ‘Association for Democratic Reforms’ continues to petition the case. It had filed a case to challenge the poll panel’s decision to replace transparent glass on VVPAT machines with opaque glass. INDI Alliance and others’ dreams of violable ballot papers were rejected in total.
As the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls progress, the Supreme Court’s verdict provides clarity and reaffirms the integrity of India’s electoral process. While doubts may persist, the court’s decision stands as a testament to the robustness of EVM VVPAT integration. Thus, voters go out in this sweltering heat to answer the call of ECI. Vote for progress and development without fear of fraud. Hopefully, Bharat’s commitment to Democracy shall be answered by the results of the 2024 general election results.