Tue Nov 26 11:29:56 UTC 2024: ## Supreme Court Dismisses Petition Challenging EVMs, Questions Petitioner’s “Brilliant Ideas”
**NEW DELHI** – The Supreme Court dismissed a petition Tuesday challenging the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Indian elections, questioning the petitioner’s motives and the basis of his claims. Petitioner K.A. Paul argued that EVMs are susceptible to tampering, citing concerns raised by prominent figures like Elon Musk and politicians Chandrababu Naidu and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. However, the court pointed out that these politicians only raise concerns about EVM tampering when they lose elections.
The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and PB Varale, dismissed the petition, stating it was not the appropriate forum for such arguments. They also questioned Paul’s focus on electoral reform, given his organization’s work rescuing orphans and widows. “You have interesting PILs. How do you get these brilliant ideas?” Justice Nath remarked, highlighting the disconnect between Paul’s primary work and his political advocacy.
Paul also sought a five-year disqualification for candidates found guilty of electoral malpractice. The court’s skepticism extended to this proposal as well. The justices highlighted the Chief Election Commissioner’s repeated assurances of EVM security and the lack of credible evidence of widespread tampering despite numerous elections. The court questioned why India should deviate from its established electoral system, echoing the Chief Election Commissioner’s challenge to present a more transparent and participatory electoral process anywhere in the world. The petition was ultimately dismissed, leaving the use of EVMs in Indian elections unchanged.
First Piper 