NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India recently rejected a petition calling for a return to paper ballots, reiterating its trust in the integrity of electronic voting machines (EVMs). The petition, filed by KA Paul, argued that EVMs are vulnerable to tampering, citing statements by public figures, including Elon Musk and Indian politicians. However, the court, led by Justices Vikram Nath and PB Varale, dismissed the plea, emphasizing that such claims often emerge only when election results are unfavorable to certain parties.
The court remarked, “When you win, there is no issue with EVMs; when you lose, they are allegedly tampered with.” This highlighted the perceived bias in criticisms, particularly from losing candidates or factions.
Key Developments and Observations:
- Petition’s Broader Aims:
Beyond advocating for ballot papers, the petition sought stricter penalties for candidates using inducements like money or liquor to sway voters. The petitioner argued these measures were crucial for upholding democratic principles. - Global Comparisons Debunked:
KA Paul claimed that several nations continue to rely on paper ballots for transparency. However, the court dismissed this argument, asserting that India’s adoption of EVMs aligns with global advancements and ensures efficiency. - Court’s Trust in ECI:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) reiterated its position that EVMs, complemented by VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) systems, are secure and tamper-proof. The court reinforced this view, asserting there was no concrete evidence to substantiate tampering allegations. - Call for Electoral Trust:
Justice Nath underscored the importance of building public confidence in democratic institutions and processes, discouraging baseless suspicions that undermine trust.
Political Reactions:
The court’s decision comes as opposition parties, including Congress, push for ballot paper voting, alleging EVM vulnerabilities. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has even proposed nationwide campaigns similar to the Bharat Jodo Yatra to advocate for the change.
Despite such calls, the Supreme Court’s ruling strengthens India’s commitment to technological modernization in elections, signaling that a return to ballot papers is unnecessary.
Web Team, C6N
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