ECI Clarifies Document Access Amidst Controversy Over Rule Amendment

A senior official from the Election Commission of India (ECI) clarified that candidates already have access to all necessary documents and no rule changes have been made. This statement follows a Punjab and Haryana High Court directive in the Mahmoud Pracha vs ECI case, which ordered the sharing of documents related to the Haryana Assembly elections, including CCTV footage under Rule 93(2) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.

The ECI official noted that while the rule mentions "election papers," it does not explicitly cover electronic records. Concerns over potential misuse of CCTV footage, especially with AI advancements, led to an amendment to protect voter secrecy. The official stressed that sharing footage from sensitive areas like Jammu and Kashmir or Naxal-affected regions could endanger voters.

All other election-related documents remain open for public inspection. However, the amendment restricts access to certain electronic documents, including CCTV footage, based on ECI's recommendation. The Union Law Ministry recently amended Rule 93(2) to specify which documents are publicly accessible.

The Congress party criticized the amendment, planning to challenge it legally. Congress communication chief Jairam Ramesh argued that transparency is crucial for electoral integrity. He stated, "Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and information restores faith in the process." The Congress is committed to ensuring accountability in the electoral process.