Congress Challenges Election Rule Amendments in Supreme Court, Cites Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
The Congress has approached the Supreme Court with a writ petition challenging recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, expressing hope that the apex court will safeguard the “rapidly eroding” integrity of the electoral process.
The government recently modified election rules to limit public access to certain electronic documents, including CCTV and webcasting footage as well as video recordings of candidates, citing the need to prevent misuse.
Jairam Ramesh, AICC general secretary, who filed the petition, stated, “The integrity of the electoral process is deteriorating swiftly. We hope the Supreme Court will help restore it.” In a post on X, he announced, “A writ has been filed in the Supreme Court to challenge the amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.”
Ramesh criticized the Election Commission, asserting that as a Constitutional body tasked with ensuring free and fair elections, it cannot unilaterally amend such critical laws without public consultation.
“This is particularly concerning as the amendment eliminates public access to essential information that ensures transparency and accountability in the electoral process,” Ramesh remarked.
The Union law ministry amended Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, based on recommendations from the Election Commission of India. The change restricts the types of “papers” and documents available for public scrutiny.
