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#SupremeCourt to continue hearing today petitions seeking 100% EVM-VVPAT verification.
A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta will hear the matter.
Follow thread for live updates.
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

For a recap of the previous hearing (April 16), this report can be read :
Plea For 100% #EVM-#VVPAT Verification : Human Intervention Creates Problems, Says #SupremeCourt During Hearing
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Plea For 100% EVM-VVPAT Verification : Human Intervention Creates Problems, Says Supreme Court During Hearing

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (April 16) heard petitions seeking complete verification of Electronic...

Hearing begins
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Adv Nizam Pasha (for petitioners): I just want to respond to a Court query through my written submissions
J Khanna: I hope you understand the practical results of what you are seeking
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Adv Pasha: What has not been argued on this side is the rights' contest...all the rights that arise in this case I have pointed out...in electoral bonds matter, my Lords laid down balancing standard
J Khanna: can you list 4 prongs of proportionality?
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Adv Pasha: Voter should be allowed to take VVPAT slip and deposit in ballot box
J Khanna: Won't it affect voter's privacy?
Pasha: Voter privacy cannot be used to defeat voter's rights
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

AoR Prashant Bhushan: One possible solution is if they can't change glass at this stage, atleast the light should remain on at all times so I can see the slip cutting and falling. No privacy will be compromised
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Sr Adv Sanjay Hegde (for petitioners): 12 lac slips to be counted...how is counting done even today? it is done parallelly...on each legislative assembly
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Hegde: between 14 and 18 rounds of counting, all votes are counted electronically. Process gets over by 2 PM. Each table has about 3 electoral officers. You have 250 people to quickly count through VVPATs. Counting can't take 13 days
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Hegde: Counting is immediate. Audit can take time. There should be a separate audit which would then add greater credibility to counting process. Please consider what safeguards can be put in today
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Another counsel (for petitioners): Engineers have indirect access to machines, they are not accountable to Election Commission
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Counsel: Who is involved in the process should be accountable to ECI
J Khanna: They (ECI) are not shying away from more obligations. If something wrong happens, they will be responsible
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: If they have to upgrade, they will
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Sr Adv Maninder Singh to begin arguments on behalf of Election Commission
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Bhushan cites a report on mock poll results of Kerala where extra votes for BJP were found recorded :onmanorama.com
J Khanna: Mr Singh, check this up
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

onmanorama.com/news/kerala/20…

EVMs give extra votes to BJP's lotus during mock polls in Kasaragod: LDF, UDF agents

Four EVMs registered votes in favour of BJP. The UDF and LDF have filed complaints with the District...

J Khanna: Mr Singh, point out the whole process how VVPATs are calibrated, at what stage candidate representatives are involved, what are mechanism to ensure there is no tampering
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: They rely on a Parliamentary Standing Committee report, we need clarification on that. Why is there a discrepancy?
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Singh: It is only apprehension today, there is nothing else
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Singh to explain working of EVM-VVPAT
J Datta: This is electoral process. There has to be sanctity. Let nobody have apprehension that something which is expected is not being done
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: You said VVPAT is only a printer. Data of symbols is uploaded in which unit?
ECI official present in Court takes dias: I look after election planning. Whatever I am saying is with authority
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

ECI official: Ballot unit only says button no. 3 has been pressed. Button unit is agnostic to candidates. Nothing loaded in control unit
J Khanna: There are 3 things uploaded in all controlling units?
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: Control unit gives command to VVPAT that you print info related to button no. 3. Slip gets cut and falls in sealed box attached to VVPAT. Slip visible for 7 seconds to voter. VVPAT sends signal to Control Unit
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: VVPAT only communicates with CU
J Khanna: the button nos. can change, how is that configured?
Official: No need for configuration. Everything stored in Control Unit
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: There must be some software loaded in the printer?
Official: No. There is a 4 megabyte flash memory in every PAT which stores symbols
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: Returning officer prepares electronic ballot, which is loaded into symbol loading unit. It will give serial no., name of candidate and symbol. Nothing is pre-loaded. It's not data, it's image format
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: Obviously image will consist of a file? Have you explained this anywhere?
Official: yes, it is in public domain in FAQs
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: So, 7 days before election, in presence of candidates, you are feeding in images in flash memory of VVPAT. Once uploaded, it can't be changed because it's not connected to any computer, laptop
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: How many SLUs created?
Official: Normally one in a constituency. It's in custody of Returning Officer till conclusion of poll
J Khanna: Is it sealed to ensure no tampering?
Official: Currently, process not there
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: Software provided by ECI, there is a locking mechanism? Laptop used by Returning Officer is secure?
Official: yes
J Khanna: Is there a bar on using that laptop?
Official: No, but it is kept separately
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: If SLU is protected, then we know there can't be any change
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: After flash memory has been fed in, is any sign taken?
Official: Yes, after loading, VVPAT is given command to print, to ensure correct symbols are loaded. Returning officer and candidates sign
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: How many VVPAT machines you have? 2 crores and odd was pointed out
Official: Roughly 17 lacs
J Khanna: Won't it be equal to EVMs?
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official explaining storage mechanism of machines involved in the voting process
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: You can't reconfigure programme memory?
Official: No. That goes into chip. Can't be altered
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: If candidate raises objection to software manufacturing, that is available?
Official: That part is not available...(adds later) It can be demonstrated publicly
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: Machines get randomly allocated to constituencies. Pairs created through randomization process
J Khanna: All your units are compatible?
Official: No spurious unit can be connected. They will only recognize sister units
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: so manufacturer does not know which button is allocated to which party?
Official: and also which machine is going to which constituency
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: So storage takes place even before election process has started
Official: Yes. And strong room (containing machines) can't be unilaterally opened
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: 100% machines pass through mock poll. Candidates allowed to pick up randomly 5% machines. Process again repeated on poll day
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: How many strong rooms?
Official: 1 or 2 for Assembly constituencies, 8 for Parliamentary
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: Mock poll takes place on poll day also. VVPAT slips are taken out, counted and matched. All machines have different kind of paper seals. At the time when machine arrives for counting, seal no. can be checked
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: All this is in public domain. After polling is concluded...
J Khanna: How many votes can be polled in a minute?
Official: Normally less than 4 votes
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: how does a layman check vote is cast?
Official: We give demonstration runs and awareness programmes
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: We sign a register after casting vote. Is there methodology to match the serial no. given in register with the no. of votes polled?
Official: As per convenience, this is done
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: Presiding Officer can press the total button
J Khanna: Suppose there is a mismatch between 17A and 17C? How many mismatches you come across?
Official: In 17A, inbuilt correction is available
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: The polling officer will certainly know when a person goes inside booth but does not vote (beep does not come)
Official: Yes, that is accounted for in 17C
J Khanna: 17A or 17C? please check
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: 17C column will not record that. It will have only total no. of votes cast
Official: It is a complete account
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: If there is a gap between 17A and 17C, will it not be a matter of concern?
Official: That is why scrutiny process is introduced. If difference is not explainable...
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: Mr Sankaranarayana, discrepancy you pointed out yesterday were on account of fact that no. of persons entered in register ... no. of votes actually cast. Mismatch will not happen if power is
exercised under Rule 49O
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: There should be entry under 17A. Should it not be authenticated every hour? Is 17A open to candidates?
Official: Yes, agents can have a look
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: After polling, machines are taken back to strong rooms, which are sealed in presence of candidates. On counting day, strong rooms are opened in presence of candidates
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: 17C copy available with all candidates. In counting hall, counting is done. At a time, it goes round wise. A machine can store 2000 votes
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: Your printer can only take 1500. Is it possible for 1 person to get 2 votes?
Official: Not possible, except if mock poll not deleted
J Khanna: Mistakes can happen
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: nobody should be prevented from voting just because he though he cast the vote, but it was not recorded
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: The mandate in Chandrababu Naidu's case was for 5 machines. You have extended to polling stations?
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: Actual manual counting is between 5000-7500 paper clips. Why does it take 5 hours?
Official: It is a small size slip, sticky also
J Khanna: Is it possible to have bar code for counting?
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: In current election, it's not possible
J Khanna: I am not only talking about current, in future is it possible?
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: 41629 VVPAT machines are there. Not a single mismatch
J Khanna: Let's go by data, not personal prejudices. If there has never been any mismatch, it speaks for itself
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Sr Adv Sankaranarayanan: There is a mismatch. Please see the petition. They say that mock polls may be added by mistake, that maybe there answer
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: Why it takes 1 hour for 1 VVPAT? Can't machines be used for counting?
Official: Paper is thin and sticky. It isn't actually meant for counting. It is done serially under direct observation of Returning officer and observer
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Datta: Is it possible for voter to get a copy of the slip? What's the possible harm you can visualize?
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: One is secrecy is voting. We don't know how it will be used after taking. Secondly, deliberate mischief
J Khanna: Will there be any difficulty if we say 17A should be matched with 17C every 2 hours?
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: this list in 17A made available to candidates?
Official: No, not shared. Because of secrecy of voting. But there is a scrutiny process available on day next to polling day
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: machine also records the time when it is voted?
Official: Every press of button is time-stamped
J Khanna: Time not printed on VVPAT slip?
Official: No. Because secrecy might be compromised. 17A already available
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: In a polling booth if you find 8 votes cast within a minute, will that not raise eyebrows?
Official: It will not happen, every vote takes 15 seconds
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: Since introduction of VVPAT, there is no change. Unless VVPAT slip gets cut and falls, vote is not recorded
J Khanna: Beep sound is when?
Official: When vote gets registered in CU
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: CU gives command to VVPAT. Beep sound will come the moment it gets registered there
Official: Beep is contingent on slip
J Khanna: That looks very odd
Official: There's a sensor which records slip has fallen
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Maninder Singh presenting a chart showing the interaction between the three machines - control unit, VVPAT and ballot unit
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Bench rises. Hearing to continue after lunch break
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Hearing resumes
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

ECI Official: Regarding Kasargod, news reported and cited is totally false
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: Algorithm was faulty in 2019. Now we have updated and are doing a perfect job
J Khanna: Data which is taken is from an app? How does it work?
Official: Anybody can download from Play Stores and see voter turnout
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: it is possible for polling officer to check no. of votes polled at any given point of time? he does not have to wait till end
Official: only total votes
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: in 2019, what were the faults in the app? wrong information was being fed?
Official: it was not getting updated in synchronous manner
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: what is the gap between vote recorded in 17A and vote actually cast in machine?
Official: No gap between 17C and votes recorded in machine
J Khanna: I agree there will be no mismatch between 17A and 17C
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: You have data available? No. Scrutiny takes place next day
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Official: If unauthorized access is tried, there is a detection model. There is in-built protection mechanism
J Khanna: How is symbol uploading done without wire?
Official: There is a standard cable
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: there seems to be some disconnect between what you are telling us and what is available in public domain. that needs to be bridged
Official: We have nothing to hide
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: Voter trust is to be maintained and protected. How do we ensure integrity of entire mechanism?
Official: We will update FAQs
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Maninder Singh: All four allegations are without any basis. They do not stand on their own. The election is tomorrow
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Singh: We have to join our hands to ensure that no aspersions are cast. Your Lordships is dealing with a constitutional authority, exercise can't be mathematical
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Singh: Their prayer for ballot paper voting is a retrograde suggestion. Principle of stare decisis applies. No request can be entertained once that issue has been decided
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Singh: Tampering is not possible. There is proper check mechanism
J Khanna: Officer in charge of polling station is called Presiding officer? Or polling officer?
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Datta: 1 room is 1 booth?
J Khanna: 50% have CCTV cameras? It's live streaming? Is it also captured and stored?
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: If 2 slips fall, it will be immediately captured?
Singh: Yes
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Bench querying Singh about statistics over data mismatch
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: paper slips prevail over machine and there has been no discrepancy?
Singh: Over 100 complaints, no mismatch found
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Singh: Technical expert committee with independent experts has been formed from time to time
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Singh: Matching takes place at end of polling. In the interregnum, if someone matches, that is only approximation based on voter turnout app
J Khanna: That shows even Parliamentary Committee is not aware
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Singh: Your Lordships are considering integrity of the system...Voter turnout app is not placed before your Lordships. Nothing to do with EVM
J Datta: If it brings trouble for you, why continue using it?
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Singh: Election Commission starts preparing for General Elections 1-2 years in advance. Petitioners also approach close to elections
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: If one voter wants ballot, another doesn't, how do you collate? Then there is possible of misuse
Singh: Is it required? Please see efficacy of EVM system
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Singh: absence of bona-fides on their part...evidence is baseless and false
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

J Khanna: Let's go to penalties
(On last date, the bench had asked ECI to respond on penalties prescribed for EVM tampering)
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Singh: Please see Sections 177 and 182 of IPC
J Khanna: As far as misconduct of polling officer is concerned, there should be some...his not complying with mandate, that's a serious thing
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Singh: Section 61A may also be seen
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Singh taking the court through ECI's counter-affidavit, tracing the trajectory of the issue. Begins with Subramanium Swamy's case
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Singh: An earlier plea seeking 100% EVM-VVPAT tally was rejected
#EVM #LokSabhaElections2024

Plea For 100% EVM-VVPAT Verification : Human Intervention Creates Problems, Says Supreme Court During Hearing

EVMs give extra votes to BJP's lotus during mock polls in Kasaragod: LDF, UDF agents

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Plea For 100% EVM-VVPAT Verification : Human Intervention Creates Problems, Says Supreme Court During Hearing

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