In a highly anticipated ruling, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed appeals calling for a 100% cross-verification of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) records. The verdict, delivered by a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, marks a pivotal decision ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
The petitions, brought forward by various parties including the NGO-Association for Democratic Reforms, sought to challenge the existing procedure where only 5 randomly selected polling stations per assembly constituency undergo EVM-VVPAT cross-verification. Advocates urged for comprehensive verification of all VVPATs and measures ensuring the accuracy of recorded votes.
However, the Supreme Court justices, while acknowledging the importance of electoral integrity, ruled against the pleas after careful consideration of technical aspects, existing protocols, and data records. Justice Khanna emphasized that requests for reverting to paper ballots and complete EVM-VVPAT verification were rejected in favor of maintaining the current system's integrity.
Despite the dismissal of the overarching pleas, the Supreme Court issued two significant directives. Firstly, it mandated the sealing and secure storage of Symbol Loading Units (SLUs) post-symbol loading in VVPATs, starting from May 1, 2024, alongside EVMs for at least 45 days post-election. Secondly, it ordered the inspection and verification of burnt memory semi-controllers in 5% of EVMs per assembly segment, upon written request by candidates ranking second and third behind the highest polled candidate.
Justice Khanna additionally urged the Election Commission to explore technological advancements for paper slip counting and the inclusion of a barcode system for party symbols to enhance transparency in the electoral process.
The ruling coincides with the commencement of phase 2 of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, adding significance to the ongoing electoral process.
While the decision disappointed petitioners, it reaffirmed the judiciary's commitment to balancing electoral integrity with practical considerations. The Election Commission, which opposed the pleas, reiterated its confidence in the existing system's robustness and reliability.
As the nation gears up for the remainder of the electoral process, the Supreme Court's verdict sets a precedent for electoral procedures and safeguards, ensuring the continued trust and credibility in India's democratic process.
