PIL seeks direction for use of EVMs for civic bypolls
Chennai, Feb 3 (UNI) A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in Madras High Court today seeking a direction to the State Election Commission (SEC)to use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for the February 18 civic polls for 100 wards.
The PIL filed by A K Venkata Subramanian, a Chennai-based retired IAS officer, also sought to restrain the SEC from conducting the civic polls on February 18, pending disposal of the PIL.
After hearing the arguments, a division bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Mr Justice K Chandru passed a brief order, stating that Mr Elango, Counsel for SEC sought time to get instructions from the SEC.
Senior Counsel G Rajagopal, appearing for Chief Election Commissioner stated that he would file a statement indicating availablity of EVMs, its cost and the procedure, the bench said.
Hence case was beingadjourned to February five, the bench said.
During the course of the arguments, Advocate General R Viduthalai submitted that there were 2100 booths for the 100 wards. Each booth required three machines. In all, 4500 EVMs would be required. Since the election date was fixed for February 18, only little time was available to make arrangements for the use of EVMs. Moreover, major political parties were opposing the use of EVMs.
Mr Rajagopal submitted that the EVMs are ready. Nearly 3,000 EVMs were available in the state. The remaining could be acquired from outside. The rate for hiring the EVMs was only Rs 80 per machine.
The teachers and government staff were properly trained for operating the machines during the Parliamentary and Assembly elections itself. Their services can be utilised, he contended.
The bench indicated that the last date for withdrawal of the nomination was February 8 and ten days were be available thereafter.
No reason why the machines should not be used. It would avoid future allegation because the main allegation during last polls was booth capturing and snatching away of ballot papers.
UNI