Install VVPAT with EVMs in Local Body Elections; Otherwise, Court Notice to the Commission

In Brief

• The High Court has directly taken cognizance of the VVPAT with EVMs

• 'Install VVPAT or use Ballot Paper'

• High Court notice to the Election Commission

The High Court has now directly taken cognizance of the VVPAT along with the EVM. (VVPAT) Petitions have been filed in the High Court for various demands in connection with the upcoming local self-government elections in the state. Just last week, the court dismissed 4 petitions related to the voter list. However, now the court has issued a notice to the Election Commission regarding the petition filed concerning the VVPAT mission, instructing them to respond by November 18.

Congress leader Praful Gudhe has filed a petition in the Nagpur Bench demanding that VVPAT be installed along with EVMs for local self-government elections, otherwise elections should be conducted through ballot papers. In this matter, the court has issued a notice to the Election Commission.

The State Election Commission has decided not to use the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system in the upcoming local self-government elections. This decision has been challenged by Congress National Secretary Praful Gudhe in the Nagpur Bench of the Mumbai High Court, and the court has issued a notice to the State Election Commission, ordering them to file a response by November 18.

The petition demands that the commission make the VVPAT system mandatory with each EVM machine or order elections to be conducted via ballot papers. The VVPAT system assures voters that their vote has gone to the correct candidate. Therefore, the petition demanded the use of VVPAT with EVMs. In response, while hearing the case before Justice Anil Kilor's bench, the Nagpur bench has issued a notice to the State Election Commission, asking for a response by November 18.