The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Union of India to respond to petitions that seek the introduction of totalisers for counting votes recorded in electronic voting machines (EVMs). A three‑judge bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, directed the Centre to identify any obstacles to adopting the device.
The court instructed the Union to examine whether an amendment to the Conduct of Elections Rules is required to accommodate totalisers, which can aggregate votes from roughly 14 polling booths at a time. The bench specifically requested information on any impediments and potential negative impacts that such a mechanism might cause.
Petitioner advocate Ashwini Upadhyay argued that totalisers would enhance voter privacy and help prevent post‑poll violence, noting that several countries already use the technology for these purposes. He also pointed out that the Election Commission of India had historically supported the use of totalisers, citing its stance from 2007 up to recent weeks.
Representing the Election Commission, counsel highlighted several impediments to the device’s introduction and noted that most political parties have not reached a consensus on its adoption. The commission’s position suggests practical and political challenges that need to be addressed before any rule changes.
The Supreme Court is also hearing a related plea seeking a common electoral roll for parliamentary, assembly and local body elections to reduce costs and manpower. Petitioners contend that the current station‑wise counting under the 1961 Conduct of Elections Rules reveals voting patterns in localities, compromising voter anonymity.
