Justice Datta raises alarm over vested interests undermining India's progress in EVM VVPAT order

Justice Dipankar Datta, in his concurring opinion on the judgment dismissing pleas for cross-verification of votes cast in electronic voting machines (EVMs) with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), highlighted the presence of vested interest groups attempting to undermine India's achievements. He noted a concerning trend of such groups working to weaken the nation's progress on various fronts. Justice Datta emphasized the importance of constitutional courts, particularly the Supreme Court, in preventing such efforts.

Expressing skepticism about the motives of the petitioning association, Justice Datta questioned their intention to revert to the old paper ballot system. He stated that there was no basis for such a regression, emphasizing the need for improvements in voting technology rather than a return to outdated methods.

Justice Datta also criticized the petitioners for casting doubt on the credibility of EVMs, suggesting that their true intention was to discredit the electoral process and sow doubt among voters. He defended the efficacy of EVMs, pointing to the increasing voter turnout as evidence of public trust in the current system.

The Supreme Court, in rejecting the pleas for cross-verification, proposed the use of electronic machines for counting votes and the inclusion of bar codes on voting slips as potential measures to enhance the electoral process.

Overall, Justice Datta's opinion underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of India's electoral system and resisting attempts by vested interests to undermine it.