'We know reality of ballot papers': Supreme Court's reality check to Prashant Bhushan on EVMs

In a pivotal hearing on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) on Tuesday, the Supreme Court made some significant statements. The apex court emphasized that unless there's a compelling rationale, the current electoral system cannot be discarded in favour of traditional ballot papers. Furthermore, the court cautioned against hasty decisions to revert to the archaic method.

Echoes of the Past

During the proceedings, Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Dutta reflected on the challenges of the bygone era of ballot paper elections. Justice Khanna pointedly reminded Prashant Bhushan, representing ADR, of the historical context, affirming the judiciary's awareness of past electoral issues.

Prashant Bhushan's Argument

Advocating for a return to ballot papers, Prashant Bhushan cited the example of Germany and other European nations. However, the bench underscored the complexity of such a transition, particularly given India's vast population.

Supreme Court's Stand

Justice Dutta highlighted the enormity of India's electoral process, emphasizing the need for trust and accountability in electoral institutions. The judiciary stressed the importance of preserving confidence in the system while acknowledging the imperative of accountability.

Future Proceedings

The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for April 18, with the Supreme Court calling for comprehensive data from the Election Commission regarding EVMs and VVPATs. Emphasizing the reliability of machines when devoid of human interference, the court underscored the importance of accurate results.

Evaluating Public Trust

Prashant Bhushan's assertion regarding public mistrust in EVMs was met with skepticism by the Supreme Court. Refusing to base decisions on private surveys, the court maintained that such arguments lacked credibility and urged against reducing the discourse to unfounded claims.

As the debate over EVMs unfolds, the Supreme Court's discerning scrutiny underscores the imperative of balance between technological advancement and electoral integrity. With the next hearing looming, stakeholders await further deliberations, guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, and public trust in the electoral process.