The Congress party has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. This move comes after the government tweaked the election rules to restrict public access to certain electronic documents, including CCTV footage, webcasting footage, and video recordings of candidates.
According to AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh, who filed the petition, the integrity of the electoral process is “fast eroding” due to these amendments. Ramesh hopes that the Supreme Court will intervene and help restore transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
The Congress party argues that the Election Commission, a constitutional body responsible for ensuring free and fair elections, cannot unilaterally amend vital laws without public consultation. Ramesh stated that the amendment does away with public access to essential information, making the electoral process less transparent and accountable.
The amendment to Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, was made based on the recommendation of the Election Commission of India. The Union law ministry restricted the type of documents open to public inspection, sparking concerns about the erosion of electoral integrity.