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The Supreme Court has taken a significant step in the ongoing debate over the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) by reserving judgment on petitions calling for 100% verification of EVM data with Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).
Following a day-long hearing, preceded by a half-day session on April 16, the Bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta has reserved its verdict on petitions filed by the Association for Democratic Rights (ADR) and others.
During the hearing, the Bench engaged extensively with an official from the Election Commission of India (ECI) to gain a deeper understanding of the functionality and security features of EVMs.
Advocate on Record Prashant Bhushan suggested a practical solution, proposing that the light in the VVPAT screen should remain illuminated throughout the voting process, rather than for the current duration of 7 seconds. This adjustment, he argued, would enable voters to witness the slip being cut and falling, enhancing transparency.
In response to Bhushan’s arguments, the bench cautioned against excessive skepticism, urging acknowledgment of positive initiatives by the ECI. Justice Khanna emphasized the importance of balanced scrutiny, stating, “Now you’re going too far. Everything can’t be suspected. You can’t be critical of everything… please also appreciate if they have done something good. We heard you because we are also concerned.”
Bhushan reiterated the necessity for voters to witness the VVPAT slip being cut and falling, underscoring that the counting of VVPATs is not an insurmountable challenge. He cited former Chief Election Commissioner Dr. SY Quraishi’s purported statement in an interview, suggesting that counting ballot papers could be accomplished within two days.
The Supreme Court’s reserved judgment signals a crucial moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding electoral transparency and the safeguarding of democratic processes. As the nation prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Court’s decision holds significant implications for the future of electoral integrity in India.
