Clarification from Maha CEO on EVM Inspections in Chandivali Constituency
Synopsis
The Maharashtra Chief Electoral Office has clarified misconceptions regarding the inspection of EVMs in Chandivali, following claims by Naseem Khan regarding court permissions. This process aligns with previous EVM verifications in Maharashtra and highlights the evolving electoral transparency mechanisms.
Key Takeaways
Maharashtra's CEO clarified EVM inspection claims.
Verification of EVMs scheduled for April 16, 2026.
Previous verifications had occurred for 17 candidates.
Naseem Khan's claims addressed in the CEO's statement.
Guidelines allow for EVM verification for certain candidates.
Mumbai, April 10 (NationPress) The Chief Electoral Office (CEO) of Maharashtra provided a statement on Friday to address misunderstandings surrounding the inspection of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the Chandivali Assembly constituency, located in the Mumbai Suburban district.
This clarification comes in response to assertions made by former Congress minister Naseem Khan, who referenced orders from the Bombay High Court, claiming that this was the first instance in India's electoral history where a court allowed for the examination of EVMs in Chandivali, where he faced defeat in the 2024 Assembly elections.
The CEO's office clarified that any claims suggesting this was the inaugural verification in Maharashtra are misleading, as similar verification processes have taken place for 17 candidates across the state from February to August 2025.
According to the statement, a verification of 20 EVMs—conducted through Diagnostic Check and EVM Check—will take place on April 16, 2026, in the 168-Chandivali Assembly constituency.
Additionally, it was noted that in accordance with Supreme Court directives, the Election Commission of India established guidelines in 2024 and 2025 that enable candidates finishing in either second or third place in elections to request EVM verification. This process permits the verification of up to 5 percent of the total EVMs used in a constituency via a mock poll or diagnostic check, contingent upon the submission of a formal request and payment of the requisite fees.
During the 2024 Maharashtra Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, 17 candidates applied for this verification, which was successfully completed for their respective constituencies between February and August 2025.
The statement further revealed that Naseem Khan submitted an application for EVM verification in November 2024, after fulfilling the necessary payment. However, due to a pending election petition he had filed with the High Court, the verification could not be initiated immediately, as prior court authorization is necessary in such scenarios.
The Bombay High Court subsequently granted permission for the verification of the EVMs utilized in the 2024 Assembly elections within the Chandivali constituency in February 2026, as stated by the CEO.
Point of View
This development underscores the importance of transparency in electoral processes. The clarification from the CEO not only addresses misconceptions but also reinforces the established protocols for verifying EVMs, ensuring that electoral integrity is upheld in Maharashtra.
NationPress
12 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recent clarification from the Maharashtra CEO regarding EVM inspections?
The Maharashtra CEO clarified that claims of the Chandivali EVM inspections being the first in the state are inaccurate, as similar verifications had already occurred for other candidates.
When will the EVM verification in Chandivali take place?
The verification of 20 EVMs in the Chandivali constituency is scheduled for April 16, 2026.
Who is Naseem Khan and what role does he play in this context?
Naseem Khan is a former Congress minister who claimed that the court's approval for EVM inspections was unprecedented in India's electoral history, following his loss in the 2024 elections.
What guidelines allow for EVM verification in India?
Guidelines from the Election Commission of India permit candidates finishing in second or third place to request EVM verification under specific conditions, including formal application and fee payment.
Why was Naseem Khan's verification request delayed?
Khan's verification request was delayed due to a pending election petition in the High Court, requiring prior court permission before proceeding.
