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Bombay HC Allows EVM Diagnostic Check in Chandivali, Process Begins April 16

The Bombay High Court has permitted a diagnostic check of EVMs and VVPATs from the Chandivali Assembly Constituency used in the 2024 Maharashtra elections. The process, scheduled to begin on April 16 in Borivali East, follows an application by Congress candidate Naseem Khan. The state's Chief Electoral Office has clarified that this is not the first such inspection in Maharashtra, noting that 17 candidates underwent verification processes in 2025. The inspection will be conducted by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in the presence of the candidate or his representative.

Key Points: Bombay HC Permits EVM Diagnostic Check for Chandivali Constituency

  • Court permits EVM diagnostic check
  • Process begins April 16 in Borivali
  • Follows Congress candidate Naseem Khan's application
  • Verification of 20 machines from Chandivali
  • State CEO clarifies not the first such inspection
2 min read

Bombay High Court permits EVM 'Dianostic check' for Chandivali constituency; set to begin on April 16

Bombay High Court allows EVM diagnostic check for Chandivali assembly seat. Congress candidate Naseem Khan's request to be processed from April 16 in Borivali.

"The reports claiming that such an EVM inspection is happening for the first time in Maharashtra are incorrect, - Chief Electoral Office"

Mumbai, April 10

Mumbai Suburban District Collector has issued a notification regarding the inspection and verification of a set of Electronic Voting Machines and VVPATs used in the 168-Chandivali Assembly Constituency during the Maharashtra General Assembly Election 2024. The process, specifically a diagnostic check, is set to commence on April 16 in Borivali East.

The verification follows an application submitted by Congress candidate Naseem Khan in the Bombay High Court. While Khan had initially requested the inspection and paid the prescribed fees in November 2024, the process required clearance from the High Court, delaying the inspection.

In February 2026, the High Court granted permission to proceed with the diagnostic check for 20 voting machines selected from the constituency.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, informed on April 3 that a two-day schedule has been fixed to conduct verification starting at 9:30 AM on April 16. According to the official notification issued by Sub-District Election Officer Archana Kadam, Naseem Khan, one of his representatives and other election candidates are requested to be present for the inspection and verification of the burnt memory/Microcontroller of EVM VVPAT machines.

This procedure aligns with the Supreme Court directions, allowing candidates to request a 5 per cent check of the machines used in their respective constituencies.

Addressing the claims that this is the first EVM inspection being done in Maharashtra, the state Chief Electoral Office clarified that such reports are incorrect. Under the Election Commission's 2024 and 2025 guidelines, verification processes were already carried out for 17 candidates across various constituencies between February and August 2025. The Chandivali case was simply deferred until now to comply with the specific legal protocols mandated by the High Court.

"The reports claiming that such an EVM inspection is happening for the first time in Maharashtra are incorrect," the CEO said in an X post.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some action! The process started in Nov 2024 and we are in 2026 now. The delay is the real story here. Why does it take so long for the system to allow a basic check? This is why people lose faith in the electoral process.
A
Aman W
The CEO's clarification is important. This is not the first time. Verification happened for 17 candidates already. Media should report facts, not create sensational headlines. The legal protocol was followed, even if it caused a delay.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, I think this is a healthy sign for any democracy. Having a clear, court-mandated process for candidates to verify results strengthens the system. The key is that it's available to all candidates equally, not just the one who lost.
V
Vikram M
The cost and time for this check will ultimately be borne by the taxpayer. While transparency is good, candidates should be absolutely sure before filing such applications. It shouldn't become a routine tactic after every close election.
K
Kavya N
Good to see BEL involved. They are a reputable government company. The process seems detailed with candidates present. Hope the findings are made public to increase confidence in EVMs. Jai Hind!

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