In a significant decision, the Supreme Court has rejected pleas calling for 100% cross-verification of Electronic Voting Machine votes with VVPAT
Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s main opinion was supported by Justice Dipankar Datta in a separate opinion. The announcement of the verdict happened at the same time as the second phase of voting for the General Elections to the Lok Sabha.
The Supreme Court gave two instructions to the Election Commission. The court said that the Symbol Loading Unit in EVMs should be sealed after symbols are loaded, and this unit should be kept for at least 45 days.
Further, After the results are announced, if candidates in serial number 2 and 3 request it, a team of engineers will check the burnt memory in the microcontroller of the EVM.
The court also suggested the poll body to explore the possibility of using a machine to count VVPAT slips.
The Supreme Court has directed that candidates can verify 5% of EVMs – including ballot units, control units, and VVPATs – from any assembly segment of a parliamentary constituency. This verification will be conducted by engineers from the manufacturers. Candidates can request this verification in writing within seven days of the election results being declared. The District Election Officer will certify the verification process, and the candidate will bear the expenses. If any tampering is found in the EVMs, the candidate will be refunded the expenses.
Meanwhile, Justice Datta said in the judgment While balanced perspective is important, but blindly doubting a system can breed scepticism and thus, meaningful criticism is needed, be it judiciary, legislature etc, Democracy is all about maintaining harmony and trust among all the pillars. By nurturing a culture of trust and collaboration, we can strengthen the voice of our democracy
Earlier The petitioners, including the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), argued that voters should feel sure about the electoral process. They said that the 97 crore registered voters in the country deserve a more transparent electoral system, whether or not Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are used.
But the court clearly mentioned that the it’s approach in this matter has been guided by evidence.
#supremecourt #evm #vvpat #evmhack
About Channel:
Your daily dose of videos for the latest and exclusive news from India and the rest of the world. From current affairs, sports, cricket, Bollywood, TV, entertainment, health, business & technology. Stay tuned for happenings around the world powered by India.com.
India.com covers breaking news, latest news, politics, entertainment and sports from India & World.
Subscribe India.com : https://bit.ly/3o7PtHP
Follow us on:-
Download India.com app Link- https://onelink.to/uqwaee
International Users App Link- https://onelink.to/prvyta
Web: https://www.india.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indiacom/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/indiacom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiadotcom/
English
1:49
