Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana on Wednesday assured the Election Commission of early hearing next Tuesday of its plea for the immediate release of 4.48 lakh EVMs and 3.96 lakh VVPAT machines used in Bengal and other states in the recent Assembly elections.

The EC has told the Supreme Court that if these equipment are not allowed to be used, it would lead “to serious logistical challenges” for next year’s elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand.

On April 21, the Supreme Court had indefinitely extended the period for filing petitions and suits challenging electoral outcomes in Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu in view of the pandemic.

The usual permissible period is 45 days under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The EC has urged the Supreme Court to fix a timeframe for filing of petitions or vacate its order so that the machines could be freed up for use in the upcoming elections.

The EVMs and VVPAT machines used in the five states earlier this year are technically in the possession of the EC but they cannot be used.

In Bengal alone, 31 electoral petitions have been filed so far.

Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing before the bench of CJI Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and A.S. Bopanna on behalf of the EC on Wednesday, pleaded for an urgent hearing.

CJI Ramana assured the EC that the matter would be heard on priority on Tuesday.