The Supreme Court on Tuesday disapproved of repeated doubts raised over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), berating the tendency of political leaders to question the credibility of EVMs when they lose elections while conveniently accepting the system when they win.

“When you lose, EVMs are tampered with; when you win, EVMs are fine,” a bench of justices Vikram Nath and PB Varale remarked while dismissing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a return to ballot papers and other electoral reforms including the disqualification of candidates accused of electoral corruption.

After petitioner KA Paul referred to statements by Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and his predecessor Jagan Mohan Reddy casting doubts on the credibility of EVMs, the bench highlighted instances where leaders who questioned EVMs after defeats remained silent on their alleged flaws after securing electoral victories.

“When Chandrababu Naidu won this time, he didn’t say EVMs could be tampered. This time, Jagan Mohan Reddy lost, he said EVMs can be tampered,” commented the bench, referencing claims made by the Andhra Pradesh CM and his predecessor in previous years.