SupremeCourt Rules on VVPAT Verification: A Reality Check! 🇮🇳
In a significant ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court of India declined the demand for a 100% match between the votes polled on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the VVPAT slips. This decision came after various opposition parties filed petitions seeking a more stringent verification process for EVMs, especially during the Lok Sabha elections.
The bench, comprising Justices Sanjeev Khanna and Deepankar Datta, expressed their satisfaction with the current protocol, which involves matching the VVPAT slips with votes from five EVMs in each assembly constituency. The apex court pointed out the logistical and practical challenges in matching 100% of the slips, as demanded by the petitioners. Additionally, the court dismissed the suggestions to revert to paper ballot voting, emphasizing the reliability and tamper-proof measures already in place for EVMs.
During the hearings, extensive discussions were held on the protocols, technological aspects, and the performance of EVMs. The Election Commission of India (ECI) provided detailed explanations about the existing safety measures, effectively rebutting allegations of possible tampering. The Supreme Court also issued directions to the ECI, including maintaining sealed EVM units for a minimum of 45 days post-loading of symbols and conducting a thorough verification by an engineering team if discrepancies arise.
This landmark judgment reaffirms the Supreme Court's trust in the current electoral system while simultaneously addressing the concerns raised about the transparency and security of the voting process.
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