Congress moves Supreme Court challenging recent amendments to Conduct of Election Rules
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh announced that a writ was filed in the Supreme Court against recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. The party argues that the amendments undermine electoral transparency and accountability.
The Congress' communication chief, Jairam Ramesh, on Tuesday, announced on X that a writ had been filed in the Supreme Court to challenge the recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.
The Congress' move comes after the Centre, on December 21, amended Rule 93 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to restrict public access to certain electronic documents in a bid to prevent the misuse of electronic election records. This includes footage from CCTV cameras and webcasting, as well as video recordings of candidates, during the election process.
Congress's writ petition
Jairam Ramesh noted that bringing about such a change meant an ‘erosion’ in the ‘integrity of the electoral process’. He expressed hope that the Supreme Court would be instrumental in restoring the integrity.
“The Election Commission, a Constitutional body, charged with the conduct of free and fair elections cannot be allowed to unilaterally, and without public consultation, amend such a vital law in such a brazen manner," the Congress leader wrote.
"This (the change) is especially true when that amendment does away with public access to essential information that makes the electoral process more transparent and accountable," read Jairam Ramesh's post on X.
‘Calibrated erosion’
Earlier, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had also slammed the Centre for the amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules. Kharge alleged that it was a “calibrated erosion” of Election Commission's integrity.
Kharge took to X to write a long post. “Modi Govt’s calibrated erosion of ECI’s integrity is a frontal attack on the Constitution and Democracy and we will take every step to safeguard them," he said.
Congress MP KC Venugopal also demanded the reversal of the Centre's notification and said the party would explore legal options to challenge it.
What changes after the amendment to Election Rules
Earlier, Rule 93 (2) (a) of the 1961 Conduct of Election Rules stated that “all other papers relating to the election shall be open to public inspection”.
The amended version of the rule now states: “all other papers as specified in these rules relating to the election shall be open to public inspection.” This means that electronic footage of the polling process will no longer be open to public scrutiny.
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Business NewsElectionsCongress moves Supreme Court challenging recent amendments to Conduct of Election Rules
First Published:24 Dec 2024, 02:14 PM IST
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