New Delhi [India], January 15: The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Centre and the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding a petition filed by All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary Jairam Ramesh. The petition challenges recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.
The amendments restrict public access to electronic documents, including CCTV footage, webcasting recordings, and video footage of candidates. A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar asked the Centre and the ECI to respond by the week beginning March 17.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Ramesh, questioned the rationale behind the changes, pointing to the government’s explanation that the amendments were intended to protect voter identity. Singhvi highlighted concerns that the public would no longer have access to critical election records due to the restrictions.
The Centre recently amended Rule 93 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, following recommendations from the Election Commission. The changes limit public inspection of certain electronic records, claiming to prevent potential misuse. The amendment also revised Rule 93(2)(a), restricting the types of documents available for public viewing. Now, while “papers” related to elections will still be accessible, the amendment specifies they will be available “as specified in these rules.”