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Maharashtra CEO Clarifies EVM Verification Process in Chandivali Assembly Seat

The Maharashtra Chief Electoral Office has issued a clarification regarding the inspection of Electronic Voting Machines in Mumbai's Chandivali Assembly constituency. It refutes claims that this is the first such verification in the state, noting that 17 candidates have already undergone the process between February and August 2025. The verification for Chandivali, involving 20 EVMs, is scheduled for April 16, 2026, following a Bombay High Court order. The process is governed by Election Commission guidelines that allow second or third-place candidates to apply for verification upon payment of a fee.

Key Points: Maharashtra CEO Clarifies Chandivali EVM Verification Process

  • CEO clarifies EVM verification reports
  • 17 candidates already verified in 2025
  • Chandivali verification set for April 2026
  • Process follows Supreme Court guidelines
2 min read

Maha CEO issues clarification about inspection of EVMs in Chandivali assembly constituency

Maharashtra CEO clarifies EVM inspection in Chandivali, states 17 candidates have already undergone verification. Details on the court-ordered process.

"reports suggesting this was the first such verification in Maharashtra were factually incorrect - Maharashtra Chief Electoral Office"

Mumbai, April 10

The Maharashtra Chief Electoral Office on Friday issued a clarification over reports regarding the inspection of Electronic Voting Machines in the Chandivali Assembly constituency of Mumbai Suburban district.

The clarification follows claims by former Congress minister Naseem Khan, who cited directives of the Bombay High Court to state that, for the first time in India's electoral history, a court had permitted checking and inspection of EVMs in Chandivali, where he lost the 2024 Assembly election.

The CEO's office said reports suggesting this was the first such verification in Maharashtra were factually incorrect, noting that similar verification processes had already been carried out for 17 candidates across the state between February and August 2025.

It said that as per judicial orders, verification of 20 EVMs -- through EVM Check and Verification using a Diagnostic Check -- in the 168-Chandivali Assembly constituency will be conducted on April 16, 2026.

The release further stated that following directions of the Supreme Court, the Election Commission of India issued guidelines in 2024 and 2025 allowing candidates securing second or third position in an election to seek EVM verification. The process, upon submission of a formal application and payment of prescribed fees, allows verification of up to 5 per cent of the total EVMs used in a constituency through either a mock poll or a diagnostic check.

In connection with the 2024 Maharashtra Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, 17 candidates had applied for such verification, which was subsequently completed for their respective constituencies between February and August 2025.

The release added that Naseem Khan had submitted an application for verification in November 2024 after paying the requisite fee. However, since an election petition filed by him was pending before the High Court at the time, the verification could not be carried out immediately, as prior court permission is mandatory in such cases.

Following his request, the Bombay High Court in February 2026 granted permission for verification of the EVMs used in the 2024 Assembly elections in the Chandivli constituency, the CEO said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the clarification, it's a bit worrying that such confusion arises. Politicians should present facts correctly. The process exists for a reason – to ensure fairness. Let's hope the April 16 verification in Chandivali is done smoothly and puts all doubts to rest.
R
Rohit P
Typical political drama! Making it sound like a historic first when it's a standard procedure. The EC's guidelines from 2024/25 are clear. Candidates who come 2nd or 3rd can apply. Pay the fee, follow the process. Why create unnecessary sensationalism? 🤦‍♂️
S
Sarah B
As an observer, I find this reassuring. It shows there is a legal, structured path for verification if a candidate has genuine concerns. The delay due to the pending court petition also makes sense – you can't have parallel proceedings. The system has checks and balances.
V
Vikram M
The most important line is "prior court permission is mandatory". This stops frivolous applications and ensures only serious cases, where a petition is already filed, move forward. It protects the election process from being disrupted after every result. Good safeguard.
K
Kavya N
Honestly, after so many years, we still debate EVMs. If there's a provision for verification, use it properly. Don't spin it for political mileage. Let the technical check on April 16 happen. The results should be made public to build confidence among all voters.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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