Kolkata, Oct. 6 -- Facing a shortage of electronic voting machines (EVMs) ahead of the proposed civic elections, the West Bengal State Election Commission (SEC) has moved the Calcutta High Court seeking access to machines currently held by district administrations under earlier judicial orders.
The issue came up before a Division Bench on Tuesday, as the commission began preparations for the Kolkata and Howrah municipal polls, expected to be held after Durga Puja. The remaining municipal elections are likely to follow in phases.
The commission told the court that several EVMs were lying in custody in connection with pending public interest litigations concerning alleged irregularities in previous local body elections. It sought permission to use the machines.
Petitioners, however, sought time to consult their clients. The matter will be heard again on Monday.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.