The Supreme Court has allowed three weeks for the Election Commission to respond to a petition challenging its recent amendment to the Conduct of Election Rules. The case, brought forth by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, argues that the amendment restricts public access to vital election-related records, undermining transparency.
On January 15, the court had already issued a notice to the Election Commission. The petition highlights the importance of public consultation for such significant amendments, emphasizing that the Commission, as a constitutional entity, must uphold the democratic process. The controversy centers around the changes to Rule 93, which barred access to electronic documents, including video footage and webcasts, ostensibly to prevent misuse.
Critics contend this amendment came shortly after the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s ruling requiring the Election Commission to release specific CCTV images from polling stations, further fueling concerns about public information accessibility related to elections.
