Punjab SEC Explains Ballot Use Amid EVM Shortage in Civic Body Elections
Ballots introduced due to non-availability of EVMs: Punjab SEC to HC
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Punjab State Election Commission (SEC) informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that civic body elections will be conducted using ballot papers due to the Election Commission of India's (ECI) failure to supply Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) on time. This decision has been challenged in a public interest litigation by advocate Ruchita Garg.
- 01The civic body elections in Punjab are set for May 26, 2023.
- 02Senior advocates Chetan Mittal and Amit Jhanji represented the petitioner, arguing against the return to ballot papers.
- 03The Supreme Court's 2025 ruling emphasized the importance of EVMs to maintain electoral integrity.
- 04The SEC stated they had communicated with the ECI regarding EVM availability but did not receive them in time.
- 05Concerns were raised about the potential for fraud and disputes associated with the ballot paper system.
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The Punjab State Election Commission (SEC) has announced that the upcoming civic body elections will utilize ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) due to a delay in supply from the Election Commission of India (ECI). This decision, set for May 26, 2023, has been challenged in a public interest litigation by advocate Ruchita Garg, who argues that reverting to ballot papers undermines modern electoral processes. Senior advocates representing Garg highlighted that the introduction of EVMs was a significant advancement in voting methods, aimed at reducing fraud and expediting the counting process. They referenced a 2025 Supreme Court ruling which criticized attempts to discredit EVMs, stating that such actions could derail the electoral process and create unnecessary doubts among voters. The SEC acknowledged that they had reached out to the ECI regarding the EVM shortage but were unable to secure them in time for the elections. The court's inquiry into the SEC's decision reflects broader concerns about the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process in Punjab.
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The decision to use ballot papers could affect voter confidence and the efficiency of the electoral process in Punjab.
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