NEW DELHI: The

today refused to entertain

plea to verify at least 20% of the VVPAT paper trail with the EVM votes.

The apex court dismissed the plea arguing that it cannot override the Election Commission's complete discretion to conduct polls.

Following the refusal, Singhvi said he was ready to scale down his demand to counting of 10% of EVM paper trail.

The court also asked Congress to explain and show any evidence for its apprehension and also demonstrate how the EC's decision to count paper trial of EVMs in one booth per constituency was arbitrary, illegal or mala fide.

The court said that debate for reform of elections can be done after the poll process is over and permitted the Congress to withdraw the petition and approach with a comprehensive election reform petition later.

The petition was filed by Secretary

Pradesh Congress Committee and the court asked why the political leader is filing the petition in personal capacity and why the party itself does not come out boldly to say this.

Earlier today, Congress had moved Supreme Court seeking directions to the

to count and cross verify at least 20% of the VVPAT paper trail with the EVM votes.

The demand to verify the votes was made a day after voting concluded in the Gujarat assembly elections.