Congress files plea in SC against amendments to election rules

New Delhi: The Congress party has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court, challenging recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. The party expressed hope that the apex court will intervene to restore the "fast eroding" integrity of the electoral process.

The amendments, introduced by the Union law ministry on the recommendation of the Election Commission of India, restrict public inspection of certain electronic documents, including CCTV footage, webcasting recordings, and videos of candidates, to prevent their potential misuse.

Jairam Ramesh, AICC general secretary, who filed the petition, emphasized that the integrity of the electoral process was under threat. “The integrity of the electoral process is fast eroding. Hopefully, the Supreme Court will help restore it,” Ramesh said, announcing X.

Ramesh further stated that the Election Commission, a constitutional body entrusted with ensuring free and fair elections, should not be allowed to unilaterally amend such a crucial law without public consultation. He highlighted concerns about the lack of public access to critical information that ensures transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

The recent amendments, which specifically affect Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, limit the types of documents that are accessible for public inspection. These changes have sparked concerns over the transparency of the electoral system.

The Congress party's petition seeks the Supreme Court’s intervention to ensure that the electoral process remains open and accountable to the public.

With PTI inputs