The government has changed election rules to prevent public inspection of certain electronic documents such as CCTV cameras and webcasting footage and to prevent misuse of video recordings of candidates.
Based on the recommendations of the Election Commission (EC), the Union Law Ministry has amended Rule 93 of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 to limit the types of “papers” or documents open to public inspection.
According to Rule 93, all documents related to the election shall be open for public inspection.
The amendment inserts “as prescribed in these regulations” after “papers”.
Law ministry and commission officials separately explained that the court case was the “trigger” behind the amendment.
Although documents such as nomination forms, appointment of election agents, results and election accounting statements are mentioned in the Election Code of Conduct, electronic documents such as CCTV camera footage, webcasting footage and video recording of candidates are not mentioned in the Code of Conduct period. covered up
“There have been instances of such electronic records being searched citing the rules. The amendment ensures that only the documents mentioned in the rules are available for public inspection and any other documents that have no reference in the rules will not be allowed for public inspection,” said an employee.
Election Commission officials said misuse of CCTV camera footage inside polling stations could compromise voter privacy.
They also said the footage could be used to generate a fake story using AI.
“All such material is available to the candidates, including the footage. After the amendment, it will also be available to them. But other people can always approach the court to get such electronic records,” said another activist.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently directed the commission to provide copies of necessary documents related to the Haryana assembly elections to Mahmood Pracha.
He filed a petition seeking videography, CCTV camera footage and copies of Form 17-C Part 1 and 2 related to the Election Code of Conduct.
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