New Delhi:

Reporter Ahsan Ansari

* In a significant decision, the Supreme Court has dismissed all petitions advocating for complete verification of votes cast on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips. The ruling was issued on Friday, April 26, 2024.

During the hearing, the Court stipulated that candidates can demand a re-examination within seven days of result declaration, with engineers tasked to scrutinize the microcontroller memory. Notably, candidates are required to cover the expenses of this investigation, with reimbursement in case of proven discrepancies.

Additionally, the bench, comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Dutta, offered a crucial recommendation to the Election Commission, suggesting the incorporation of bar codes on VVPAT slips in future elections.

The dismissed petitions had also advocated for a return to ballot paper-based voting, a proposition that was rejected by the Supreme Court. The Court's decision follows a reserved stance during the last hearing, where Justice Sanjeev Khanna and Justice Dipankar Dutta expressed the need for certainty in their findings.

VVPAT serves as a mechanism for voters to verify the accuracy of their votes, ensuring transparency and trust in the electoral process.

This verdict underscores the Court's commitment to electoral integrity while balancing technological advancements with voter confidence.