The Supreme Court has recently dismissed demands to revert to ballot paper voting and conduct a 100% guarantee of votes cast through electronic voting machines (EVMs) via Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the principal petitioner, Association for Democratic Reforms, had presented three key demands:

• The reintroduction of paper ballots
• Handing VVPAT slips directly to voters for placement in a designated box
• Ensuring complete transparency of the VVPAT box

Additionally, another petitioner, senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, proposed a system to print barcodes on VVPAT slips for expedited counting. The Election Commission, which was a party to the case and represented by senior lawyer Maninder Singh, countered these demands, highlighting the transparency and security measures in EVM handling and emphasizing the impracticality of reverting to paper ballots given India's vast population.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court not only rejected the petitions but also suggested, in a spirit of openness to innovative solutions, that the Election Commission explore the possibility of printing barcodes on VVPAT slips. This consideration of alternative solutions underscores the Court's commitment to a fair and translucent electoral process.

Furthermore, the Court mandated two measures to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process: sealing the symbol loading unit for 45 days post-election, a move aimed at preventing tampering with the EVMs and allowing second—or third-ranked candidates to demand re-verification within seven days of results, with the petitioner bearing the cost and reimbursement provided for proven irregularities. These measures are significant steps towards maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

The Court, firm believers in the robustness of the current electoral system, emphasized once again the need to quell unwarranted skepticism toward EVMs. It underlined that unless substantial evidence against them is presented, the current system should prevail for the benefit of the nation's citizens, thereby fostering trust in the process.

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