India

SC Debates Voting Transparency: Paper Ballots vs. VVPAT Verification

The Supreme Court reviewed a series of petitions advocating for the cross-verification of votes using Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems during a recent session. The Court deliberated on concerns surrounding a potential return to paper ballots for general elections.

Representing the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), senior advocate Prashant Bhushan proposed three measures to enhance voting transparency. These included a return to paper ballots, making the VVPAT glass transparent, or allowing voters to retain the VVPAT slip for insertion into the ballot box.

VVPAT units generate a paper slip visible to voters for approximately seven seconds before being securely stored. Bhushan suggested, “We can go back to paper ballots,” emphasizing the option of handing VVPAT slips directly to voters for ballot box insertion. He highlighted a shift in VVPAT design from transparent to opaque glass, limiting visibility except when illuminated.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna reflected on past experiences with paper ballots, noting the challenges faced. ADR, among the petitioners, urged the Court to direct the Election Commission and the Union government to ensure voters can verify their votes through VVPATs.

The plea emphasized the need for voters to confirm that their votes are “counted as recorded,” citing a gap in the law regarding verification procedures. The failure of the Election Commission to address this was highlighted, contradicting previous court directives.

The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for Thursday.

Also Read: Article 370 Revoked, Kashmir Stable: PM Modi Slams ‘Ghamandiya Gathbandhan’

Malika Sahni

Recent Posts

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Global Leaders Condemn Attack; Stands With India In Solidarity

Gideon Saar, the Foreign Minister of Israel, condemned the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam,…

8 hours ago

Amit Shah Visits Srinagar For High-Level Security Review Following Terror Attack In Pahalgam

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar on Tuesday to conduct a high-level security…

9 hours ago

President Droupadi Murmu Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack; Extends Condolences

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her 'heartfelt' condolences to the families affected by the terrorist attack…

9 hours ago

Dr Rajeshwar Singh Calls For Mandatory Environmental Education On World Earth Day

Sarojini Nagar MLA Dr Rajeshwar Singh voiced serious concerns about the escalating environmental crisis on…

10 hours ago

PM Modi Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack; Vows Justice For Victims

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir,…

11 hours ago

Pahalgam Terror Attack: PM Modi Speaks To Amit Shah; Orders Swift Action

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday directed Union HM Amit Shah to take all necessary measures…

11 hours ago