Election Commission Under Fire For Not Replying To RTI Query On EVMs, CIC Steps In

New Delhi: The Central Information Commission (CIC) has rebuked the Election Commission (EC) for not responding to an RTI query regarding the action taken on concerns raised by eminent citizens about the credibility of EVMs and VVPAT machines during elections. The CIC has demanded a written explanation from the EC, terming the lack of response a “gross violation” of the law.

Former IAS officer M G Devasahayam, along with other prominent individuals, submitted a representation to the EC on May 2, 2022, raising questions on the reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the vote-counting process. Devasahayam, in an RTI application filed on November 22, 2022, sought details about the action taken on their representation.

Despite the mandatory 30-day period, the EC did not respond to Devasahayam’s query. His appeals to senior officials were also ignored, prompting him to approach the CIC. During the hearing, the EC’s Central Public Information Officer failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the delay.

The CIC expressed “severe displeasure” over the EC’s conduct and directed them to provide a point-wise response to the RTI application within 30 days. The representation submitted to the EC included concerns from technical professionals, academicians, and former civil servants, urging urgent action from the EC to address the issues raised.