Senior party leader Jairam Ramesh said the Congress has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court to restore the integrity of the electoral process.
Published Dec 24, 2024 | 7:12 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 24, 2024 | 7:12 PM
The Supreme Court of India. (iStock)
The Congress has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.
Announcing the filing of the petition, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh said, “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”.
“This is especially true when that amendment does away with public access to essential information that makes the electoral process more transparent and accountable,” he said on X.
A Writ has just been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.
The Election Commission, a Constitutional body, charged with the conduct of free and fair elections cannot be allowed to unilaterally, and without public…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) December 24, 2024
Ramesh said the integrity of the electoral process was fast eroding and expressed hope that “The Supreme Court will help restore it”.
Following an Election Commission recommendation, the Union government had amended Rule 93 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. The amendment limited public access to certain electronic documents to prevent the misuse of electronic election records.
The restriction has been made applicable to CCTV and webcasting footage, besides video recordings of candidates during the election process.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
