Supreme Court to Deliberate on 100% EVM-VVPAT Tally: Advocates Seek Urgent Resolution

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Introduction: The Supreme Court of India is set to address pleas seeking a thorough cross-checking of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) data with Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) records. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal recently mentioned the matter before Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who heads a Special Bench along with Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Bela M Trivedi. Despite requests for an expedited hearing due to the impending Lok Sabha elections, the court scheduled the matter for a hearing in two weeks. This article delves into the details of the proceedings and the urgency surrounding the issue.

EVM stands for Electronic Voting Machine. It is a device used for casting and recording votes electronically in elections. EVMs are designed to enhance the accuracy, secrecy, and efficiency of the voting process. They typically consist of a control unit and a balloting unit connected by a cable. When a voter presses the button corresponding to their chosen candidate on the balloting unit, the vote is recorded electronically in the control unit. EVMs are widely used in many countries as a modern alternative to traditional paper-based voting systems. They offer various advantages, including faster counting of votes, reduced chances of errors, and enhanced security. However, concerns have been raised about the security and integrity of EVMs, leading to debates and discussions about their reliability and the need for additional safeguards, such as Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs).

Background: The petitions, initially slated for today’s hearing, were rescheduled due to Justice Khanna presiding over a Special Bench. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankarayanarayan emphasized the proximity of the Lok Sabha elections, urging for a prompt resolution. Justice Khanna acknowledged the urgency but indicated that the matter might be delayed by a week due to the current roster. Despite expressing hope for an expedited process, Justice Khanna assured that ample time would be provided to the counsel for arguments.

Prior Proceedings: A recent bench, led by Justice BR Gavai, had issued notice on another petition advocating for 100% verification of VVPAT slips. The petition, filed by the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, challenges the Election Commission of India’s practice of random verification of 5 EVMs per assembly segment. The petitioners underscore the importance of ensuring that voters’ ballots are accurately recorded and counted, advocating for comprehensive measures to safeguard electoral integrity.

VVPAT stands for Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail. It is a mechanism used in conjunction with electronic voting machines (EVMs) to provide a paper trail of each vote cast by a voter. VVPATs generate a physical paper record of the voter’s choices, allowing voters to verify that their vote has been accurately recorded by the EVM.

Here’s how VVPAT works:

After a voter casts their vote using the EVM, the VVPAT system prints a paper slip containing the details of the vote, such as the candidate’s name and symbol, as well as a unique serial number.

The printed paper slip is displayed behind a transparent window for a few seconds, allowing the voter to visually verify that the details on the slip match the candidate they voted for on the EVM.

Once the voter confirms the accuracy of the printed slip, it is automatically cut and dropped into a sealed container attached to the VVPAT machine. This paper trail serves as a physical record of the vote, which can be used for verification and audit purposes in case of disputes or recounts.

VVPATs are designed to enhance the transparency and integrity of the electoral process by providing voters with a tangible and verifiable record of their votes. They help build trust in electronic voting systems by allowing voters to independently verify that their votes are accurately captured and counted by the EVMs. Additionally, VVPATs can serve as a backup in case of technical malfunctions or allegations of electoral fraud, as they provide a paper trail that can be audited and cross-checked with electronic records to ensure the accuracy of the election results.

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Implications and Urgency: The demand for 100% EVM-VVPAT tallying reflects growing concerns surrounding electoral transparency and accountability. With the Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, the need for timely resolution of these issues is paramount to uphold the integrity of the democratic process. Advocates stress the importance of ensuring that every vote is accurately recorded and counted, underscoring the fundamental principles of democracy.

Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s decision to hear pleas regarding 100% EVM-VVPAT tallying underscores the significance of safeguarding electoral integrity. Despite the scheduling challenges posed by the current roster, the court’s commitment to providing sufficient time for deliberations is essential for a thorough examination of the matter. As the nation prepares for upcoming elections, the urgency of resolving these issues cannot be overstated, highlighting the critical role of the judiciary in upholding democratic principles.