• UGI USER
  • Apr 25, 2024
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SC CLARIFIES: EVM CONTROL UNITS IMPARTIAL, DON’T IDENTIFY PARTIES.

Why in the news?

The Supreme Court addresses EVM transparency concerns, emphasises microcontrollers’ impartiality, and queries Election Commission on machine functioning and security.

source:toi

Understanding Supreme Court Observations:

  • The Supreme Court referred to microcontrollers in EVMs as “agnostic”, stating they do not recognize political parties or candidates, only the buttons pressed by voters.
  • Justice Sanjiv Khanna emphasised that the buttons on ballot units are interchangeable, programmed at the manufacturer stage without knowledge of which party will be assigned which button.
  • The case addressed concerns about EVM transparency and vulnerability to rigging, with the court emphasising the non-disclosure of EVM source code to prevent misuse and protect integrity.
What is an Electronic Voting Machine?

  • EVM is a device for electronic voting, introduced in 1982.
  • Since 1998, it has replaced ballot boxes in Indian elections.
  • In 2003, all state elections switched to EVMs, followed by Lok Sabha elections in 2004.

Features:

  • Records up to 2,000 votes.
  • Operates on a battery, not electricity.
  • Uses a one-time programmable microchip.
  • Stand-alone machines without an operating system.