Today(on 24th April), the Supreme Court is expected to issue directions on petitions seeking 100% cross-verification of votes in EVMs with VVPAT slips for transparency. The VVPAT serves as an independent mechanism for voters to verify vote accuracy. The bench engaged in detailed discussions on EVM operations and expressed reservations about manual counting.
Today (18th April): The Supreme Court stressed the sanctity of the electoral process and urged the Election Commission of India to clarify measures ensuring free and fair polls. Senior advocates and officials addressed concerns about VVPAT slips, privacy, and proposed solutions to enhance transparency and credibility. The ECI reassured robust measures to prevent tampering and ensure integrity.
Today (18th April): The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea to tally Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes with Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips during elections. The petition aims to ensure accuracy and integrity in the electoral process and seeks expanded verification of all EVM votes with VVPAT records. This plea challenges the current guidelines and emphasizes the need for stringent punishment to prevent manipulation.
Today (16th April): The Supreme Court questioned the Election Commission about penalties for tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). They emphasized the need for trust in the system and rejected a plea to revert to ballot papers. Concerns were raised about human intervention and the practicality of tallying VVPAT slips with EVM votes. The Court proposed independent technical inspection of EVMs after voting.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has ordered the Election Commission of India (ECI) to disclose information about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). This decision followed a second appeal by retired civil servant MG Devasahayam. The ECI must provide the requested data within 30 days. Compliance with the order is mandatory.
On Wednesday (10th April): The State Bank of India (SBI) refused to disclose electoral bond data under the RTI Act, citing exemptions related to fiduciary capacity and public interest. This refusal, including the denial of information about the payment to lawyer Harish Salve, has raised concerns about transparency and accountability, undermining democratic principles and public interest. The case may reflect future changes in RTI Act exemptions under the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
NEW DELHI: Today (9th April): The Delhi High Court rejected Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a liquor case, deeming it valid. The court found sufficient evidence of hawala transactions and statements, dismissing his claims of political motivation. The decision sets a precedent for accountability of public officials.
The Indian government approved printing Rs 10,000 crore worth of electoral bonds just before the Supreme Court scrapped the scheme as unconstitutional. The approval and subsequent printing, handled by the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India, sparked discussions on the transparency of political financing. Following the ruling, the Finance Ministry directed the State Bank of India to cease printing remaining electoral bonds. The scheme’s anonymity has divided opinions on political donation transparency in India.
“If not for giving representation to Scheduled Castes, I would have been elevated maybe two years later,” : Supreme Court Justice BR Gavai emphasized the role of reservation and affirmative action in elevating marginalized individuals in India’s government. He credited his own advancement to these principles and highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in the judiciary. Justice Gavai also addressed challenges such as media manipulation and emphasized the CJI’s duty to provide equal leadership.
Today (27th March): Former Finance Secretary Subhash Garg criticized the State Bank of India for compromising the anonymity of electoral bond purchases. He highlighted that the recording of alphanumeric codes goes against the scheme’s intent. The Supreme Court’s involvement revealed connections between bond buyers and political parties, leading to doubts about transparency. Garg urges the Election Commission of India to ensure complete transparency.
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