Opposition leaders move SC, seek review of order on matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs

Twenty one opposition leaders, led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, moved the Supreme Court Wednesday seeking review of its April 8 order which directed the EC to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs to five polling booths per assembly segment in the ongoing general elections.

Naidu, who had earlier sought 50 per cent random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs, has sought the review of the apex court's order saying that the "increase from 01 (one) to 05 (five) is not a 'reasonable number' and does not lead to the satisfaction desired by this court".

The plea, which has been filed after the conclusion of third phase of polls, said: "The petitioners submit that the aforesaid increase to a mere 2 per cent is not sufficient and will not make any substantial difference to the situation that existed prior to the passing of the impugned order.

"Therefore, even though the Petitioners have succeeded on the merits of their contention, their success does not resolve their grievance or cause any meaningful change to the situation that they were originally aggrieved of."