The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a public interest litigation that sought the reintroduction of physical/paper ballot voting system in the country’s elections, along with several other electoral reforms.
The Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice PB Varale rejected the argument made by the petitioner that even leaders like Chandrababu Naidu and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had alleged tampering in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM).
The Apex Court observed that both leaders raised doubts over the functioning of EVMs only when they lost an election. However, when they won, they did not say anything. This is not the place to argue all of this, said the Bench and dismissed the plea filed by Evangelist KA Paul.
The petitioner argued that EVMs could be tampered with and suggested that India should follow the practices of countries like the United States, which still use physical ballots during polls.
He further contended that EVMs posed a threat to democracy, alleging that even prominent figures like Elon Musk had voiced concerns over EVM tampering. Multiple political parties and leaders, including Chandrababu Naidu and Jagan Mohan Reddy, supported his position, he added.
The petition also raised broader electoral concerns. It sought formulation of a comprehensive policy to deal with the candidates found distributing money or liquor, along with their disqualification for five years.
The petitioner suggested that a voter education program should be initiated to increase electoral participation. It further sought scrutinising political party funding by an investigative agency, and a policy framework to prevent election-related violence.