No Category of 'Suspicious Voters' as per the RP Act, 1951: ECI Informs Rajya Sabha

On July 31, 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI), admitted (informed) that, in election law, no category of ‘suspicious voters’ exists. The answer to the question was given through the union Law Minister in response to a query from a Samajwadi Party MP regarding serious apprehensions around the voting process. Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman had raised a series of questions regarding the voting process, seeking clarification from the Election Commission. The MP’s questions addressed several points of public debate, starting with whether “suspicious voters” had cast their ballots in the recent Lok Sabha elections. He also brought up the assertions made by some experts that EVMs are susceptible to manipulation, and asked if this has led to increased voter apprehension. MP Suman also sought details on the measures the ECI has put in place to address and allay these public concerns.

Apart from answering the question on ‘suspicious voter’ category, the exchange in the Upper House also focused on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and concerns over their integrity, which the ECI refuted by citing legal history and public information. In response, Law Minister Arjun Lal Meghwal provided the ECI’s official stance. On the first point, the ECI clarified that the Representation of People Act, 1951, does not recognise a category of “suspicious voters.” On the matter of potential manipulation, the ECI stated that election results cannot be manipulated on EVMs. 

ECI rejects apprehensions, cites court rulings

Emphasising that the EVMs cannot be manipulated, the response from the ECI via the Law Ministry also stated that as many 42 petitions against use of EVMs which have been filed before various High Courts and Supreme Court and after going through various aspects of the technological soundness and the administrative safeguards involved in the use of EVMs, courts have found “EVMs tamper proof, credible and reliable.” The Law Minister also informed the House that the machines have been used in numerous elections and have undergone public and legal scrutiny over the years. 

“The ECI has stated that there is no doubt in fairness and integrity of EVMs which have stood the test of several elections, public and legal scrutiny over the years. The ECI has further informed that in at least 42 petitions against use of EVMs which have been filed before various High Courts and Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and after going through various aspects of the technological soundness and the administrative safeguards involved in the use of EVMs, the Hon’ble courts have repeatedly held that EVMs are tamper proof, credible and reliable. The ECI has also mentioned that in order to dispel any apprehension of any kind whatsoever, EVM related documents, such as manual on EVM and VVPAT, presentation on EVM, status paper on EVM, legal history of EVMs and VVPATs and FAQs on EVM are available in public domain i.e. ECI website (https://www.eci.gov.in/evm-vvpat)” Law Minister said in Rajya Sabha

Furthermore, the ECI noted that to help voters understand the technology and processes, EVM-related documents such as the manual on EVM and VVPAT, a status paper, and a legal history of the machines are publicly available on its official website.

ECI’s answer dated 31.07.2025 can be read here

Courtesy: Sabrang India