• UGI USER
  • Apr 27, 2024
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SC UPHOLDS EVMS, REJECTS REVIVAL OF PAPER BALLOTS PLEA.

Why in the news?

Supreme Court upholds Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), rejects plea for paper ballots, emphasising trust in electoral process.

Source:wordpress

Key Observations by the Supreme Court:

  • The judgement highlighted the successful track record of EVMs since their introduction in 1982, underscoring their crucial role in India’s electoral process.
  • It emphasised the need for caution when questioning the integrity of EVMs, recognizing voters’ right to scrutinise their accuracy without mandating 100% counting of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips.
  • The Court suggested measures for enhanced transparency, including exploring electronic methods for VVPAT counting and sealing Symbol Loading Units after symbol loading into VVPATs.
  • About Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT):
  • Introduced in 2014 Lok Sabha elections in India.
  • Consists of VVPAT Printer and VVPAT Status Display Unit.
  • Allows voters to verify their votes.
  • Prints slip with candidate details for 7 seconds.
  • Printed slip falls into a sealed drop box afterward.