Supreme Court Dismisses Plea for Paper Ballots, Backs EVM Reliability
The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition seeking the reintroduction of paper ballots in elections, reaffirming the security and reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs).
The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, emphasized that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has robust measures in place to prevent tampering.
“EVMs Not Tampered When You Win”
Responding to the petitioner’s concerns over EVM vulnerability, the Chief Justice remarked, “EVMs are not tampered with when you win.” The statement underscored the court’s confidence in the technology and highlighted the irony in challenging the system only after electoral defeats.
Petitioner’s Argument
The plea argued that EVMs are prone to hacking and that returning to paper ballots would ensure greater transparency and trust in the electoral process. It further claimed that several countries have either rejected or discontinued electronic voting systems in favor of traditional methods.
Court’s Stand on EVM Security
The Supreme Court reiterated that EVMs, along with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), offer a high level of security and transparency. The ECI has implemented multiple layers of checks and safeguards, ensuring their integrity. The court also noted that any move to revert to paper ballots would not only be regressive but also impractical given the scale of Indian elections.
ECI’s Position
The Election Commission has consistently defended the use of EVMs, highlighting their successful deployment over decades and the absence of credible evidence to prove tampering. The addition of VVPATs has further strengthened the credibility of the process, allowing voters to verify their choices.
This ruling reinforces the judiciary’s trust in India’s electoral infrastructure and serves as a strong endorsement of technological advancements in the democratic process.
