- 11 candidates from the 2024 Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections have applied for verification of the burnt memory of EVMs and VVPAT units.
- In April 2024, the Supreme Court allowed losing candidates to request verification of burnt memories of EVMs and VVPATs for up to 5% of machines in an Assembly constituency or segment of a Lok Sabha constituency.
- Candidates must cover verification expenses, which will be refunded if tampering is found.
- Process for Verification:
- The District Election Officer (DEO) manages the process.
- Second and third-placed candidates can request verification of up to 5% of EVMs and VVPATs, or 2.5% each if both apply.
- Requests must be made within seven days post-results, with candidates identifying the units to be verified.
- Candidates deposit ₹40,000 (plus 18% GST) per set of EVMs to the manufacturer.
- The DEO sends the application list to the state Chief Electoral Officer, who notifies manufacturers BEL and ECIL within 30 days.
- Verification starts 45 days post-results, provided no Election Petitions are filed, or after court approval if petitions exist.
- Verification takes place in manufacturer-designated halls with strong security and surveillance.
Dig Deeper: Read about critical features of Indian Electronic Voting Machines as compared to EVMs used in other parts of the World.
