Context: The Supreme Court of India has approved a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) allowing 2nd and 3rd-placed candidates in elections to request Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) verification. This is seen as a significant step towards enhancing electoral transparency and restoring public trust in the electoral process.
What’s the New SOP About?
- Candidates finishing 2nd or 3rd in a constituency can now apply for EVM verification post-results.
- The verification will involve cross-checking EVM data with the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).
- Symbol Loading Units (SLUs), which load party symbols into EVMs, are now part of the preservation and verification process.
- EVMs and VVPATs must be sealed, preserved, and digitally secured for future legal scrutiny.
Why It Matters: Key Supreme Court Observations
- The Court emphasized electoral transparency, calling it the foundation of democracy.
- It stated that fair play demands procedural checks even after an election is concluded.
- The SOP balances technological trust in EVMs with the democratic right to verification.
UPSC & Competitive Exam Relevance
| Subject / Paper | Topics Connected |
|---|---|
| GS Paper 2 (UPSC Mains) | Electoral Reforms, Judiciary, Representation |
| GS Paper 1 | Post-independence evolution of democracy |
| Prelims | EVM, VVPAT, EC, Symbol Loading Unit, Article 324 |
EVM & VVPAT: A Quick Refresher
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| EVM | Electronic Voting Machine used in Indian elections since 2000s |
| VVPAT | Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail that generates a paper slip for each vote |
| SLU | Symbol Loading Unit: loads party symbols onto ballot units of EVM |
Benefits of This Verdict
- Encourages confidence in the electoral process
- Allows losing candidates to legally challenge EVM results
- Strengthens post-poll auditing mechanisms
- Reinforces the role of judicial oversight in democracy
UPSC Prelims – PYQs & Practice Questions
PYQ 1:
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the VVPAT system used in elections in India:
- VVPAT is a method of providing feedback to voters using a ballotless voting system.
- VVPAT allows voters to verify their vote and also enables audits.
- VVPAT is mandatory in all Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅Answer: A
(Note: VVPAT use has been ordered by the Supreme Court for all EVMs, but it is not mandated by the Constitution or a central law.)
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