• UGI USER
  • Jun 22, 2024
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SUPREME COURT DIRECTIVE ON EVM

Why in the news?

  • Following a Supreme Court directive in April 2024, candidates who secured second or third place in elections can now request verification of up to 5% of EVMs and VVPATs for potential tampering.
 Source: IASP

What is this Process?

Supreme Court Order (April 26, 2024):

  • Upheld EVM-VVPAT system but allowed verification of 5% of EVMs and VVPATs for potential tampering.
  • Candidates must identify specific machines within 7 days post-results and cover expenses, refundable if tampering is found.

The Process of Verification:

  • ECI is yet to finalize technical SOP; administrative SOP released on June 1 by ECI details responsibilities.
  • Candidates pay Rs 40,000 per set of EVMs to manufacturers for verification.
  • Verification to start post-45-day period after results, contingent upon absence of election petitions.
What is an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)?

  • An EVM is a device used for electronic recording of votes.
  • First introduced in the Paravur Assembly Constituency, Kerala in 1982.
  • Since 1998, EVMs have replaced ballot boxes in elections.
  • By 2003, all state elections and by-elections in India were conducted using EVMs.
  • In 2004, the Election Commission decided to exclusively use EVMs for Lok Sabha elections.
  • Developed by the Technical Experts Committee (TEC) in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bangalore, and Electronics Corporation of India Ltd, Hyderabad.