Supreme Court Queries Election Commission on EVMs

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.