Supreme Court upholds non-disclosure of EVM source code, citing potential misuse
New Delhi: In a recent hearing regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) records, the Supreme Court reiterated its stance against the disclosure of EVM source codes, citing concerns over potential misuse.
The bench, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, called for clarifications from an Election Commission official during the proceedings. Senior Advocate Santhosh Paul, representing one of the petitioners, raised the issue of disclosing EVM source codes. However, Justice Khanna firmly rejected the idea, stating, "Source code should never be disclosed...it will become a problem...people will then try and misuse it."
Previously, a public interest litigation (PIL) had sought an independent audit of EVM source codes, arguing for transparency in the electoral process. However, the PIL was dismissed by a bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud in November 2023.
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Hemant Karkare killed by RSS-linked cop, not Kasab: Maharashtra LoP Vijay Wadettiwar
BJP writes to ECI for action against Cong leader Wadettiwar for 'defaming' Ujjwal Nikam
Mumbai, May 5: The BJP has written to the Election Commission of India seeking action against Congress and the opposition leader, Vijay Wadettiwar, for allegedly peddling lies and defaming its Mumbai North Central nominee and ex-26/11 prosecution lawyer Ujjwal Nikam.
Wadettiwar, the leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra legislative assembly, purportedly called Nikam an "anti-national" and accused him of hiding the information that then Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare wasn't killed by Kasab's bullet during the 26/11 terror attack, but fell to a bullet of a policeman affiliated to RSS.
His allegations were based on the book "Who Killed Karkare" written by retired police officer SM Mushriff.
"As a responsible leader, the opposition leader should desist from making such comments that can help the enemy nation," Nikam said.
Terming Wadettiwar's statements as "false and not based on facts", Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shekar claimed they were aimed at defaming Ujjwal Nikam and inciting emotions.
"We have written to the Election Commission of India seeking action against Wadettiwar who is a star campaigner (of Congress) and also against the Congress party for peddling lies," he added.
Shelar further said (Ajmal) Kasab was sentenced to death for killing innocent people after following a due process of law.
Kasab was the lone terrorist who was captured alive by Mumbai Police during the 26/11 terror attack by Pakistani terrorists in which at least 166 people were killed and several others were injured.
Shelar wondered whether Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray supported the statement made by the Congress leader.
A former special public prosecutor, Nikam had represented the state in high-profile cases like the Mumbai serial bomb blasts and the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
He is making his political foray from Mumbai North Central seat on a BJP ticket and is pitted against city Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad.
