Archive · 1 Oct 2025
EVMs in J&K Assembly Polls Under Scrutiny After 'Non-Functional' Tag
In an election in Jammu and Kashmir, some electronic voting machines (EVMs) are being checked after someone complained they weren't working right.
The inspection, ordered by the High Court, found that some machines had problems.
The person who lost the election is now questioning the machines' reliability.
Officials say that any problems are minor.
The engineers tested the machines and matched them to the record of votes, but the politician is still raising concerns.
This is creating a debate about whether the election was fair, with one side claiming problems and the other side downplaying them.
Engineers certified three EVMs as 'non-functional' after a court-ordered inspection.
The inspection followed allegations of defective EVMs in the Chenani seat during last year's Assembly elections.
Harsh Dev Singh, who lost the election, sought annulment of the result.
Officials stated that any found issues showed only minor clock errors and no bearing on polled data.
Singh has claimed the process confirms his doubts about the process's reliability.
- Who
- Engineers from the Election Commission, Harsh Dev Singh, Balwant Singh Mankotia
- What
- Inspection of EVMs from the Chenani seat during Assembly elections after claims of malfunctioning machines.
- When
- Assembly elections were held last year, inspection on September 18
- Where
- Chenani seat, Jammu and Kashmir
- Why
- To address allegations of defective EVMs used in the election.
Questioning the Process
Defending the Process
EVM Functionality
Questioning the Process
Harsh Dev Singh alleges EVMs were found to be non-functional and questions the reliability of the machines.
Defending the Process
Deputy District Election Officer said the 'non-functional' tag was only on one casing and that the machine was fully functional.
Inspection Results
Questioning the Process
Singh claimed transparency issues and objected to the absence of a seal and number on the strongroom.
Defending the Process
Balwant Singh Mankotia called Singh's allegations as 'much ado about nothing', saying Singh agreed the machines were working.
- Event
- Inspection of EVMs from Chenani seat Assembly elections
- Location
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Date of Inspection
- September 18
- Lead Plaintiff
- Harsh Dev Singh, Panthers Party J&K president
- Ruling Party
- BJP