Supreme Court Responds to Congress' Challenge on Election Rules Amendments
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court has agreed to review a plea from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh against amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, which limit access to election materials like CCTV footage. The hearing is set for March 17, amid concerns over transparency in the electoral process.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court to review Congress plea.
- Amendments restrict access to election materials.
- Hearing scheduled for March 17.
- Concerns raised about electoral transparency.
- Political leaders unite against the amendments.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has decided to review a petition by senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh contesting the recent changes to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. These amendments limit public access to election materials, including CCTV footage, unless specifically mentioned by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
A bench consisting of CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar has issued a notice seeking responses from both the Union government and the ECI regarding this issue. The case is scheduled for hearing during the week starting March 17.
In his submission to the court, the general secretary of the historic party argued that the ECI should not have the authority to unilaterally modify the 1961 Conduct of Election Rules without proper public consultation.
"A writ has recently been submitted to the Supreme Court challenging the latest changes to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. The Election Commission, as a constitutional entity responsible for ensuring free and fair elections, should not be allowed to make such significant amendments without public discourse," Ramesh stated on the social media platform X.
Ramesh, a Rajya Sabha MP, further expressed that the amendment, enacted on December 21 following ECI recommendations, eliminates "public access to crucial information that enhances the transparency and accountability of the electoral process".
"The integrity of our electoral process is rapidly diminishing. It is hoped that the Supreme Court will assist in its restoration," he emphasized.
This amendment appears to be a response to a directive from the Punjab and Haryana High Court requiring the release of CCTV footage from an election booth.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has also condemned the amendment, labeling it an undemocratic attack on free and fair elections. In a post on X, CM Stalin stated that democracy is confronting its most severe challenge under the BJP-led Union Government.
Expressing his dissent, he remarked, "Democracy is facing its gravest threat under the BJP-led Union Government, with the reckless amendment of Section 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, which aims to undermine transparency in elections." CM Stalin urged all political parties, including those allied with the Union Government, to come together against what he denounced as an undemocratic assault on free and fair elections.
