Delhi High Court rejects plea to use ballot papers instead of EVMs for elections

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition challenging the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections [Upendra Nath Dalai v Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India & Anr]. 

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela noted that the Supreme Court of India has put a final seal on the issue. 

The Supreme Court had rejected a similar challenge and a coordinate bench of the Delhi High Court had also declined to pass any orders in this regard, the Bench noted today.  

“The Writ Petition challenging the use of EVMs in the election was dismissed by the Supreme Court. Relying on the same judgement, another Letters Patent Appeal (LPA) has also been dismissed by a coordinate bench of this court… In view of the aforesaid. We dismiss the writ petition,” the Court ordered. 

The petition was filed by one Upendra Nath Dalai against the use of EVMs. He sought directions from the court to hold elections only through ballot papers. 

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma appeared for the Central government and stated that not long ago, the petitioner was castigated by this court because some reckless allegations were made by him. 

“He was cautioned not to come. Nobody can abuse the process of court like this. The matter has been settled by the Supreme Court,” Sharma said. 

The Court then asked the petitioner not to indulge in matters like this without reading the court orders. 

“Have you read these judgements? Please don’t indulge in this. Do some more constructive work,” the Court remarked. 

The petitioner said he wanted to press the plea. 

Therefore, the Court passed the order rejecting the petition.