SC Issues Directions to Seal Symbol Loading Unit But Rejects Plea for 100% EVM-VVPAT Verification

Rejecting pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with VVPAT, the Supreme Court on Friday issued two directives.

Firstly, the Symbol Loading Unit (SLU) should be sealed and secured in containers. Secondly, the burnt memory semi-controller in EVMs shall be checked and verified by a team of engineers from the manufacturers of the EVM post the announcement of results.

Here are the two directives in details:

1) That on completion of the symbol loading process in the VVPAT undertaken on or after 01.05.2024, the Symbol Loading Unit (SLU) should be sealed and secured in containers, Live Law stated.

The report further stated that the candidates or their representatives shall sign the seal. The sealed containers containing the SLUs shall be kept in the strong rooms along with the EVMs at least for a period of 45 days post the declaration of results. They should be opened and examined and dealt with as in the case of EVMs.

(2) According to Live Law, the burnt memory semi-controller in 5% of the EVMs, that is the Control Unit, Ballot Unit and the VVPAT, per assembly segment of the Parliamentary constituency, shall be checked and verified by a team of engineers from the manufacturers of the EVM post the announcement of results on a written request made by candidates who are at places 2 and 3 behind the highest polled candidate.

Such candidates or their representatives shall identify the EVMs by the polling station or the serial number. All candidates and their representatives shall have the option to remain present at the time of verification, the report stated.

Live Law further mentioned that such a request should be made within 7 days of the declaration of the results. The District Election Officer, in consultation with the team of engineers, shall certify the authenticity and intactness of the burnt memory microcontroller. After the verification process is conducted, the actual cost or the expenses for the said verification will be notified by the ECI and the candidate making the said request will make payment of the said expenses. Expenses will be refunded in case the EVMs are found to be tampered.

Explore Live updates on the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2 In regions, including Kerala , Karnataka , Noida , and West Bengal . Stay informed about key constituencies, voting trends, and candidate insights. Get Lok Sabha Election 2024 Related Real-Time Updates At News18 Website.