Gurpreet Singh :- The Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed a petition seeking the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in upcoming municipal corporation and municipal council elections in Punjab, effectively clearing the way for the polls to be conducted through ballot papers.
The petition was filed by Ruchika Garg, who urged the court to direct authorities to hold civic body elections through EVMs to ensure transparency and prevent alleged irregularities during the voting process. The plea argued that electronic voting could help conduct elections in a more fair and impartial manner.
During the hearing, the High Court observed that the election schedule had already been officially announced and that interference at such a late stage would not be appropriate. The court noted that the electoral process was already underway, leaving little scope for any major procedural changes.
Following the court’s decision to dismiss the petition, it now appears almost certain that the municipal elections in Punjab will be conducted using traditional ballot papers instead of EVMs.
Election authorities are expected to continue preparations according to the already notified poll schedule.
