On Wednesday, the Supreme Court is scheduled to issue its ruling on multiple petitions that call for comprehensive EVM-VVPAT verification. During a session focused on these petitions, the Court delved into intricate technical issues concerning the alignment of Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with votes cast through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). It has summoned an Election Commission officer to appear at 2 pm to address these concerns. The hearings, led by Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, have sought clarifications on several points, such as the placement and programming of micro-controllers in EVMs and the availability of Symbol Loading Units, alongside questions regarding the adequacy of data storage periods under current legal frameworks.
During these proceedings, the Supreme Court emphasized the vital importance of maintaining voter confidence in the electoral system, advising against skepticism towards the reliability of EVMs and recognizing the efforts of the Election Commission. This stance came into sharper focus as the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a key petitioner, argued against a 2017 decision to obscure the VVPAT’s window, which they claim impedes voter verification.
Extensive discussions with senior Deputy Election Commissioner Nitesh Kumar Vyas helped elucidate the operation of EVMs, highlighting their design to prevent tampering, though acknowledging the possibility of human error. Amidst debate over electronic versus paper voting systems, the Court underscored the complexity of India’s electoral process and cautioned against undermining it.
As the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections progress, ADR is pushing for a process that not only records votes electronically but also allows voters to confirm that their votes are counted exactly as cast through VVPAT slips. This mechanism serves as a crucial check, enhancing transparency especially amidst allegations of tampering.
VVPAT systems serve as an independent verification method for electronic voting, allowing voters to see a paper confirmation of their vote, thereby aiming to secure the electoral process against errors and frauds. These systems are especially pertinent in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, where trust and transparency are paramount.
