Supreme Court Clears New SOP for EVM Verification: A Boost for Electoral Transparency

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 / PaperTopics Connected
GS Paper 2 (UPSC Mains)Electoral Reforms, Judiciary, Representation
GS Paper 1Post-independence evolution of democracy
PrelimsEVM, VVPAT, EC, Symbol Loading Unit, Article 324

EVM & VVPAT: A Quick Refresher

TermDescription
EVMElectronic Voting Machine used in Indian elections since 2000s
VVPATVoter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail that generates a paper slip for each vote
SLUSymbol 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:

  1. VVPAT is a method of providing feedback to voters using a ballotless voting system.
  2. VVPAT allows voters to verify their vote and also enables audits.
  3. 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.)

June 21, 2025

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