Cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with VVPAT

The Supreme Court is set to deliver certain directions on Wednesday regarding cross-verification of votes cast with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).

The VVPAT system allows voters to verify if their votes have been cast accurately. A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta will pronounce the directions on the plea.

The court urged petitioners not to doubt EVMs, emphasizing the importance of voter satisfaction and trust in the electoral system. It highlighted the need to recognize the Election Commission’s work.

The NGO ‘Association for Democratic Reforms’ (ADR), a petitioner, opposed the replacement of transparent glass with opaque glass on VVPAT machines.

During a two-day hearing, the bench engaged with Deputy Election Commissioner Nitesh Kumar Vyas to understand EVM operations. Senior advocate Maninder Singh stated that EVMs are standalone and not prone to tampering, but human error is possible.

The court disapproved of criticism of EVMs and advocated against reverting to ballot papers, stating the Indian electoral process is a “humongous task”.

The ADR called for ensuring the count in EVMs aligns with the VVPAT slip and verifying that votes are accurately counted.