Supreme Court to Review Plea for EVM-VVPAT Cross-Verification Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls

As India gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing in two weeks on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) urging the cross-verification of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). 

The petitioners advocate for 100% cross-verification to ensure transparency in the electoral process and instill confidence among voters. Currently, only five randomly selected EVMs per Assembly constituency undergo verification.

The plea, emphasising the importance of timely resolution before the elections, has garnered support from senior Congress leader and Karnataka minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao. Rao stressed the significance of addressing the matter promptly to uphold the integrity of the electoral system.

Despite requests for an expedited hearing, the Bench, headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, deferred the PIL to a later date due to scheduling constraints. This decision raised concerns about the petition potentially becoming irrelevant if not heard before the commencement of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections, beginning on April 19.

Acknowledging the urgency of the matter, Justice Khanna assured the parties of a fair hearing and pledged sufficient time for submissions. He indicated readiness to expedite proceedings, emphasising the need for swift action. The PIL, filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms, urges the Election Commission and the Centre to enable voters to verify their votes through VVPATs. The petitioners argue that this measure is essential for ensuring the accuracy and transparency of the electoral process.

Previously, on July 17 last year, the Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission to respond to a similar petition by the Association for Democratic Reforms. The petition sought assurance that voters could verify their votes through VVPATs, addressing concerns about the accuracy of EVMs. 

In a related development, another plea seeking 100% verification of VVPAT slips was recently tagged with an ongoing case on the issue. This underscores the growing demand for enhanced scrutiny and transparency in the electoral process.

The Supreme Court's upcoming hearing on the PIL holds significance as it pertains to fundamental aspects of democratic governance and electoral integrity. The outcome of the hearing is awaited with anticipation, as it could potentially shape the future of electoral practices in India.