Categories: Other Courts

EVM VVPAT: SC Seeks Centre’s Response On Petition To Introduce Technology To Help Voters With Visual Disabilities

The Supreme Court on Monday granted the Ministry of Law and Justice four weeks to file its counter-affidavit on a petition seeking the implementation of technology to allow visually impaired voters to verify their votes.

A Bench of Justices Ajay Rastogi and Bela Trivedi also granted the petitioner two weeks to file a rejoinder in the matter.

The petition moved by Akshay Bajad seeking to add image text to speech (ITTS) conversion software to Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units used in elections, as well as audio verification facilities for people who are blind or visually impaired.

The Top court had posted this matter for further hearing on March 3, 2023.

In its counter affidavit, which was previously filed by, the Election Commission of India stated that it has always sought to have an inclusive approach when it comes to elections and that it has taken a number of measures to that end.

The ECI’s affidavit cited security concerns and logistical issues as barriers to having ITTS conversion software embedded in the EVMs.

“Attaching any external device or installing ITTS software to the existing model of VVPATs would only result in a compromised scenario for the machines’ safety and security.” Furthermore, it stated that EVMs/VVPATs are stand-alone machines to which no external device can be added or installed. Also, any audio feedback facility has the potential to jeopardise voting confidentiality,” According to the affidavit.

ECI argued that, “EVMs/VVPATs have one-time programmable chips, so changing the software or installing ITTS software in existing EVMs/VVPATs is not feasible.”

Nunnem Gangte

Recent Posts

Gulmarg Fashion Show: Srinagar Court To Hear Case Against Organizers On April 8

A Srinagar court has scheduled a hearing for April 8, 2025, in connection with the…

1 day ago

Gold Smuggling Case: Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Moves Sessions Court For Bail

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, arrested last week in connection with a gold smuggling case, has…

1 day ago

“Advocates Can appear In Confiscation Proceedings Under Forest Act”: MP High Court

The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that advocates can represent clients in confiscation cases under…

1 day ago

Cement Prices Are Likely To Increase Because Of New Mineral Tax By States: Report

Cement prices across various states are expected to increase following a Supreme Court ruling that…

1 day ago

“Plaint Against Teacher By Parent, Student: First Enquiry, Then Arrest”: Kerala HC

The Kerala High Court has laid down new guidelines to protect educators from hasty arrests…

2 days ago

SC Ruling Paves Way For Visually Impaired Judges; Yavnika Shares Her Experience

Supreme Court recently opened up the doors for visually impaired candidates in judiciary by striking…

3 days ago