The Congress party has approached the Supreme Court challenging the recent amendments to the Conduct of Eltopection Rules, 1961, curtailing the rights of citizens to access election-related records.
Calling the Election Commission a Constitutional body charged with the conduct of free and fair elections, the political party submitted that EC
could not be allowed to unilaterally suggest an amendment to such a vital law in such a brazen manner without public consultation.
The petition alleged that the amendment did away with public access to essential information that made the electoral process more transparent and accountable.
The controversy arose after the Centre amended Rule 93 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, limiting public access to certain electronic documents.
The decision was taken by the Union Ministry of Law & Justice to prevent the misuse of electronic election records, including CCTV camera and webcast footage as well as video recordings of candidates during the election process, following a recommendation made by the Election Commission.
The amendments were made a few days after the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Election Commission to supply videography, CCTV footage, and copies of documents related to votes garnered in a polling station during the recent Haryana Assembly elections.