Today(on 18th April), the Supreme Court instructed the Election Commission to investigate EVM malfunction during a mock poll in Kerala, addressing concerns over BJP vote discrepancies. This directive follows allegations of EVMs registering additional votes for the BJP. The Court’s proactive stance aims to ensure the integrity of the electoral process amidst technological advancements.
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.
Today (5th April): The Election Commission opposed DMK’s writ petition on EVM design in the Madras High Court, stating that EVMs have been used since the 1980s without proven tampering incidents. The petition questioned the placement of VVPAT printers and sought procedures for EVM approval and guidelines for returning officers. The court adjourned further hearing to June 20.
On Tuesday (2nd April): The DMK filed writ petitions with the Madras High Court concerning EVM issues before the Lok Sabha elections, alleging that the presence of a printer between the Balloting Unit and Control Unit compromises data integrity. The party expressed concerns about the Election Commission of India’s oversight and transparency in decision-making. Additionally, a petition challenges the ECI’s guideline on VVPAT verification.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has firmly defended the integrity of electronic voting machines (EVMs), emphasizing their non-tamperable nature. In a detailed affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, the ECI stated, “The electronic voting machines are non-tamperable, both due to technological measures, and also due to strict administrative and security procedures laid out by […]