Today, On 24th September, The Delhi High Court rejected a plea seeking the use of ballot papers instead of EVMs for elections. The court noted that the Supreme Court has already put a final seal on the matter, ending the dispute.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court dismissed a petition that contested the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections.
A Division Bench, consisting of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, emphasized that the Supreme Court of India has definitively addressed this matter.
The Bench noted,
“The Supreme Court previously rejected a similar challenge, and a coordinate bench of the Delhi High Court had also opted not to issue any orders concerning this issue”
The Court stated,
“The Writ Petition challenging the use of EVMs in the election was dismissed by the Supreme Court. Relying on the same judgement, another Letters Patent Appeal (LPA) has also been dismissed by a coordinate bench of this court… In view of the aforesaid. We dismiss the writ petition,”
The petition was submitted by Upendra Nath Dalai, who sought to compel the court to mandate elections conducted solely through ballot papers.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma represented the Central government and remarked that the petitioner had previously faced criticism from the court for making unfounded allegations.
Sharma asserted,
“He was cautioned not to come. Nobody can abuse the process of court like this. The matter has been settled by the Supreme Court,”
The Court then advised the petitioner to refrain from such matters without thoroughly reviewing the court’s decisions.
The Court commented,
“Have you read these judgements? Please don’t indulge in this. Do some more constructive work,”
Despite this, the petitioner expressed his desire to pursue the plea. Consequently, the Court issued an order to reject the petition.
Ballot papers are physical sheets used in elections on which voters indicate their choice of candidate or party. They serve as the traditional method of voting before the introduction of
Ballot papers are governed under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which sets out rules for printing, distribution, and counting. While India has largely moved to EVMs for efficiency and security, ballot papers remain a legally valid method for elections, especially in case of disputes or technical issues with EVMs.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs): Detailed Overview
An Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is an electronic device used to record votes in an election. It replaces traditional ballot papers by allowing voters to cast their vote digitally through a button press corresponding to their chosen candidate or party.
The transition from ballot papers to EVMs has modernized India’s election system, ensuring speed, reliability, and integrity while addressing challenges of large-scale elections in a populous country.
Case Title: Upendra Nath Dalai v Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India & Anr