Take EVMs used in Nagarkurnool and Alair constituencies: HC to EC

The Telangana High Court on Friday permitted the Election Commission of India to take over the electronic voting machines (EVMs) which were used in the Nagarkurnool and Alair Assembly constituencies in the Assembly elections. These EVMs were kept aside due to the filing of election petitions before the High Court.

Justice Shameem Akthar was dealing with the election petitions filed by Dr Nagam Janardhan Reddy seeking that the court declare the election of Mr Marri Janardhan Reddy from Nagarkurnool as void and set aside the result declared by the Election Commission. Regarding the Alair election, Mr Satish Kumar had filed a petition alleging that the winner, Ms G. Sunitha, was involved in corrupt practices.

In the two petitions, the ECI filed interim applications urging the court to allow the handing over of the EVMs that had been kept aside. Justice Akthar allowed the ECI prayer after considering the arguments from both sides.

Election Commission  counsel Akhila requested the court to permit the commission to take the EVMs so that they could be reset and used for the Lok Sabha elections. Counsel said the petitioners had not raised objections against the EVMs. Counsel for Mr Reddy also agreed before the court their contentions were not against the Electronic Voting Machines.