Is the ECI Right to Call Congress Video Misleading?
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Synopsis
In a recent clash between the Election Commission of India and the Congress party, a video was labeled misleading due to its implications about voter privacy and election integrity. This article dives into the ECI's fact-check and the legal backing behind its stance on CCTV footage and electoral transparency.
Key Takeaways
- The ECI has deemed the Congress video as misleading.
- Public release of polling station CCTV footage is against the principles of voter privacy.
- The ECI retains CCTV footage for 45 days post-election.
- Legal precedents support the ECI's stance on privacy.
- The ongoing political discourse raises questions about electoral integrity.
New Delhi, Sep 6 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday issued a fact-check against a video shared by the official social media account of the Congress party, labeling the message tagged ‘Vote Chor - Gaddi Chhod’ as “misleading” and “not compliant with existing laws”.
Reiterating its position against the public release of polling-station CCTV footage, the ECI stated in a post on X that this action “would jeopardize the secrecy of the ballot, a fundamental principle of free and fair elections, as well as voter privacy, potentially exposing voters to pressure, discrimination, or intimidation.”
The ECI criticized the Congress video dated August 25 amidst ongoing requests for the release of polling station footage in Maharashtra, explaining that the Bombay High Court dismissed writ petition No. 1402 of 2025, which challenged the Maharashtra Assembly elections and denied the request for public access to polling station CCTV footage. The Supreme Court also chose not to intervene in this ruling.
According to the ECI, as mandated by Section 81 of the RP Act, 1951, an election petition must be filed within 45 days following the announcement of results. Thus, the ECI retains CCTV footage for a duration of 45 days.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding voter privacy, the Commission stated, “The ECI is unwavering in its dedication to the privacy of voters, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of elections.”
To support its position, the ECI referenced a Supreme Court ruling concerning privacy rights.
“In the Puttaswamy Judgment (2017), the Supreme Court recognized the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right primarily protected by Article 21, and also linked to Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution. This encompasses bodily privacy, informational privacy, and decisional privacy (choice),” the ECI mentioned in a post on X.
The ECI affirmed its operations are in alignment with the Constitution of India, election laws, and directives from the Supreme Court.
The slogan 'Vote Chor – Gaddi Chhod' has been extensively utilized by the Congress and its allies during the recently concluded ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar to allege that the Election Commission has manipulated election rolls and results – a claim that the electoral body vehemently denies.
Point of View
I stand by the principle that the integrity of our electoral process must be upheld. The ECI's commitment to protecting voter privacy is paramount. While political parties may seek to challenge the system, it is crucial that we adhere to constitutional mandates and legal precedents to maintain trust in our democracy.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the ECI say about the Congress video?
The ECI labeled the Congress party's video as misleading and not in compliance with existing laws, emphasizing the importance of voter privacy and the integrity of elections.
What is the significance of the ECI's stance on CCTV footage?
The ECI's position is based on the principle that releasing polling station CCTV footage could compromise the secrecy of the ballot, thus affecting the fairness of the electoral process.
How long does the ECI retain CCTV footage?
According to Section 81 of the RP Act, 1951, the ECI retains CCTV footage for 45 days following the declaration of election results.
What legal backing does the ECI have for its privacy stance?
The ECI references the Puttaswamy Judgment (2017), where the Supreme Court recognized the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
What actions did the Congress party take regarding the ECI?
The Congress party has been vocal in accusing the ECI of manipulating election results and has used the slogan 'Vote Chor - Gaddi Chhod' during their campaign.
