Supreme Court Queries Election Commission on EVMs

• 24 Apr 2024

On 24th April 2024, the Supreme Court(SC) sought clarification on EVM microcontrollers and storage duration, raising concerns amid ongoing elections.

Key Points

• Microcontroller Reprogramming: Court questions if EVM microcontrollers are reprogrammable, raising doubts about potential tampering.
• One-Time Programmable Microcontrollers: Inquiry on whether microcontrollers in EVMs are single use, impacting their vulnerability to manipulation.
• Symbol Loading Units: Court seeks information on the availability of Symbol Loading Units, crucial for election processes.
• Storage Duration Discrepancy: Confusion over the storage period of EVMs, highlighting a conflict between law and practice.
• Integration of EVM Components: Concerns raised on whether ballot units, control units, and VVPATs are securely stored together.
• Petitioners' Argument: Petitioners advocate for enhanced transparency in elections, demanding 100% cross-verification of EVMs and VVPATs.
• Election Commission's Defense: EC assures the court of EVM integrity, dismissing concerns over tampering, citing stringent post-polling procedures.