'Difficult to hold assembly polls if EVMs not freed for re-use'

As per the statute, EVMs are to be kept untouched and safe for 45 days from the declaration of results, which is the time limit for a defeated candidate to file an election petition challenging the results. If no election petition is filed within the period of limitation (45 days), EVMs can be released for re-use in subsequent elections.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/difficult-to-hold-2022-assembly-polls-if-evms-not-freed-for-re-use-ec-to-sc/articleshow/85851351.cms