NEW DELHI: Congress has filed a petition in Supreme Court challenging the recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. In a statement, the party said that it hopes that the “fast eroding” integrity of the electoral process will be restored by the apex court.
The move comes in the wake of the controversy that arose, when based on the recommendation of Election Commission, the Centre amended Rule 93(2)(a) to restrict the type of “papers” or electronic documents open to public inspection with the aim to prevent misuse of electronic poll records. This includes CCTV camera and webcasting footage, as well as video recordings of candidates, during the election process.
Can’t let EC tweak vital law in such brazen manner: Jairam Ramesh
In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “A writ has just been filed in Supreme Court… EC, 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.”
He said “this is especially true when that amendment does away with public access to essential information that makes the electoral process more transparent and accountable”. “Integrity of the electoral process is fast eroding. Hopefully SC will help restore it,” he asserted.
#Congress #moves #Centres #amendments #election #conduct #rules #India #News #Times #India
