Background :
During a hearing on pleas for 100% verification of VVPAT slips during elections, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to investigate allegations of extra votes recorded for the BJP in EVMs during a mock poll in Kerala’s Kasaragod.
Key Points:
- The Supreme Court acted during a hearing on petitions advocating for full verification of VVPAT slips.
- Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), cited media reports of complaints from Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) regarding extra votes for the BJP in Kasargod’s mock polls.
- Four EVMs allegedly recorded additional votes for the BJP, prompting the Supreme Court to direct the ECI to investigate.
- Presently, VVPAT verification is limited to five randomly selected EVMs per assembly segment.
Impact:
- The Supreme Court’s directive highlights concerns over the integrity of the electoral process and the need for robust verification mechanisms.
- It signals a proactive approach by the judiciary to address potential irregularities in elections and safeguard democracy.
Legal Analysis:
- The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores its role in ensuring the fairness and transparency of elections.
- The case raises questions about the reliability of EVMs and the adequacy of existing verification procedures, particularly in light of alleged malfunctions.
Conclusion
- The outcome of the investigation may influence electoral procedures and lead to reforms in EVM verification protocols.
- It underscores the ongoing debate over electoral reforms and the balance between technological innovation and electoral integrity.
Source-The times of India
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