Pause on EVM Memory Check Applications
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has suspended the processing of nearly 100 Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) memory check applications in Maharashtra, along with other pending applications across various states. This decision comes amidst ongoing Supreme Court (SC) hearings and its recent observations regarding the protocol confusion.
Supreme Court's Observations
- The SC, during a hearing on February 11, noted that its 2024 order for EVM Checking & Verification (C&V) was intended for simple verification by an engineer from the manufacturing company, not a complex process involving data erasure and reloading.
- The SC has directed the ECI to provide an affidavit explaining its current C&V Standard Operating Procedure.
ECI's Response
In light of the SC's observations, the ECI, under Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, has instructed all Chief Electoral Officers to halt any ongoing C&V processes. The ECI seeks additional clarity from the SC before proceeding.
Impact on Maharashtra
- Following the November 2024 assembly election, 104 C&V applications were filed in Maharashtra across 95 constituencies for 755 EVMs.
- Over 50 applications remain eligible for immediate processing, barring those caught in Election Petitions (EPs).
Other States
- In Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir, seven EVM memory check applications were filed, with one successfully completed in Sirsa without any discrepancies.
- The fate of other applications remains uncertain, as all pending C&V processes are currently on hold.