NEW DELHI: The
Election commission of India
on Wednesday issued
revised protocol
for
Handling
and
storage
of symbol loading unit of
EVM
and
VVPAT
.
This comes in backdrop of latest order by the Supreme Court which said, “After the completion of symbol loading process, the symbol loading unit (SLU) should be sealed in containers. The SLU should be stored at least for a period of 45 days.”
In its press release the Election commission said that, “During the commissioning period in pursuance of the judgement of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, dated April 26, 2024 in Writ Petition (Civil) No.
434 of 2023, ECI has issued the new protocol for handling and storage of symbol loading unit (SLU). All CEOs have been directed to create necessary infrastructure and provisions to implement the new protocols for handling and storage of SLUs. As mandated by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the revised protocols are applicable in all cases of completion of the symbol loading process in the VVPATs undertaken on or after 01.05.2024.”
Additionally the revised order stated that,” Opening and closing of SLU Storage Room/Other places mentioned at (d), shall be carried out only after due invitation to candidates/their representatives. Necessary proceeding shall be drawn and placed in the SLU Inventory Register.”
