A lengthy and heated debate took place in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday regarding the use of EVMs versus ballot papers in the municipal body elections in Punjab. During the hearing, the Punjab State Election Commission and the Election Commission of India traded accusations of delays and a lack of coordination.
Representing the Punjab State Election Commission, counsel informed the court that the Commission had been requesting M-2 model EVMs from the very beginning, as this specific model has historically been used in the state and the staff is already trained to operate it. However, it was subsequently conveyed that the M-2 model had reached the end of its prescribed service life; consequently, only M-3 model machines would be made available henceforth. The Commission further stated that, following this development, requirements for ‘First Level Checking’ and other technical procedures for the M-3 machines were stipulated, which resulted in delays.
