Today, On 24th December, The Congress party moved to the Supreme Court against the recent changes to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. They say these changes make the election process less transparent and accountable. The new rules reportedly restrict public access to important materials like CCTV footage and video recordings. Congress also pointed out that there was no public consultation before making these changes.
New Delhi: The Congress party submitted a writ petition to the Supreme Court, contesting the recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. They expressed optimism that the court would play a role in restoring the “fast eroding” integrity of the electoral process.
The government modified an election rule to restrict public access to certain electronic documents, including CCTV footage, webcasting recordings, and videos of candidates, in an effort to prevent misuse.
AICC General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, who filed the petition, stated,
“The integrity of the electoral process is fast eroding. Hopefully, the Supreme Court will help restore it.”
He announced in a post on X,
“A writ has just been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961,”
Ramesh asserted that the Election Commission, as a constitutional authority responsible for conducting free and fair elections, should not be allowed to unilaterally amend such a crucial law without public consultation.
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He added,
“This is particularly concerning when the amendment removes public access to critical information that enhances the transparency and accountability of the electoral process,”
Following the Election Commission of India’s recommendations, the Union law ministry amended Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, on Friday to limit the types of documents available for public inspection.