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Supreme Court Dismisses PIL Seeking Return to Paper Ballot Voting in India

The Supreme Court of India on November 26, 2024, dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by evangelist Dr. K.A. Paul, seeking the reintroduction of paper ballots for elections in India. Dr. Paul also sought directions for disqualifying candidates found guilty of electoral malpractices such as distributing money or liquor.


A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P.B. Varale heard the petitioner-in-person, who argued that physical ballots were necessary to safeguard democracy and prevent corruption. Dr. Paul claimed support from retired IAS/IPS officers and judges and cited his global experience, stating that 180 countries use paper ballots in their electoral systems.


Justice Nath questioned the petitioner’s assertions, observing that political parties have not expressed issues with the current electronic voting system (EVMs). The bench remarked that corruption allegations lacked substantial evidence and highlighted that claims of EVM tampering often arise only when parties lose elections.


During the proceedings, Dr. Paul made references to alleged corruption in electoral practices, including instances of cash and gold seizures by the Election Commission, and claimed EVM tampering had been acknowledged by prominent individuals. He mentioned statements from Elon Musk and tweets by Indian politicians like Chandrababu Naidu and Jaggan Mohan Reddy to support his case. However, Justice Nath dismissed these arguments, noting that allegations of tampering are subjective and politically motivated.


Ultimately, the bench emphasized the lack of merit in the PIL, concluding that electoral reforms are a matter for the legislature, not judicial intervention. Justice Nath observed: "If you win elections, EVMs aren’t tampered. If you lose, they are tampered." The Court dismissed the PIL, reaffirming the legitimacy of India’s current electoral system.


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Case Title:

Dr. K.A. Paul v. Union of India & Ors., W.P.(C) No. 718/2024.






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