EVM-VVPAT verification case: 5 questions Supreme Court asked Election Commission

Supreme Court’s Queries on 100% VVPAT Cross-Checking

The recent development in India’s electoral landscape has garnered significant attention as the Supreme Court delves into crucial questions regarding Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) data cross-checking against voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) records. This move is part of ongoing petitions seeking heightened transparency and accuracy in the electoral process, a topic of immense relevance and importance to our LinkedIn community.

On April 24, a pivotal moment unfolded as the Supreme Court directed inquiries to the Election Commission, marking a pivotal step towards ensuring electoral integrity. The bench, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, raised pertinent questions that have sparked nationwide interest and debate.

The court sought clarifications on several key aspects:

1. Micro-controller Placement: The court sought clarification on whether the micro-controller is installed in the Control Unit or in the VVPAT, noting discrepancies in information.
2. Programmability of Micro-controller: A question arose regarding the one-time programmability of the micro-controller installed, emphasizing the need for transparency in this aspect.
3. Symbol Loading Units: The court inquired about the number of Symbol Loading Units available, a technical detail critical to the functioning of the EVMs.
4. Limitation Period for Election Petition: Clarifications were sought regarding the limitation period for filing election petitions in relation to storage duration, as per Section 81 of the Representation of People Act.
5. Sealing of EVMs and VVPATs: Queries were raised concerning the sealing of both control units and VVPATs to ensure the security and integrity of the voting process.

These inquiries stem from petitions filed by prominent entities like the NGO-Association for Democratic Reforms, advocating for enhanced transparency measures. The petitions emphasize the need for comprehensive cross-verification of all VVPATs instead of the current random sampling method, aiming to bolster public trust and confidence in the electoral machinery.

However, the Election Commission has expressed reservations, viewing the petitions as potentially casting unwarranted doubt on the efficacy of EVMs and VVPATs. Nonetheless, opposition parties within the country have echoed the calls for 100% VVPAT counting to bolster public faith and uphold the electoral process's integrity.

This development underscores a pivotal juncture in India's electoral landscape, where technological advancements intersect with legal scrutiny, shaping the future of electoral transparency and public trust. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving narrative that impacts every Indian citizen's democratic rights and responsibilities.

Stay tuned with Dainik Bhaskar as we are live in Pune and will continue to bring you the latest local updates from the city.

Follow our social handles to stay updated with the latest local news in Pune:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dainik_bhaskar_pune?igsh=NDl3aTYycXZwM2Vv&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dbpune