The CPI(M) on Sunday demanded immediate withdrawal of the amendment to the election rules to prevent public inspection of certain electronic documents such as CCTV cameras and webcasting footage.
In a statement, the CPI(M) Politburo expressed strong objection to the amendment, restricting access of political parties and candidates to electronic records, including videos and other digital trails.
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The government has changed election rules to prevent public inspection of certain electronic documents such as CCTV cameras and webcasting footage as well as video recordings of candidates.
Based on the recommendations of the Election Commission (EC), the Union Law Ministry on Friday amended Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 to restrict the types of “papers” or documents open to public inspection. .
The CPI(M) said the steps were initially introduced by the commission to ensure greater transparency in consultations with political parties and described the move to amend the rules as “regressive”.
It is alleged that there was no proper consultation with the political parties on this matter.
“Media reports suggest that the government consulted the Election Commission of India while drafting the new rules. However, the Election Commission’s reported consensus was not preceded by any consultation with political parties, contrary to established precedents over the years,” CPI. (M) said.
“The government’s reasoning to question the locus standi of the petitioner in conducting the election process is peculiar. This approach completely excludes the involvement of political parties in the process to be followed,” the Left party said.
Tripura case cited
The CPI(M) has shown in its experience, particularly during the Lok Sabha elections in Tripura that allegations of rigging led to scrutiny of videographic records inside polling stations, eventually declaring re-polling in almost half of the polling stations in both constituencies.
“In this era, where technology is an integral part of the electoral process, the government’s move represents a retrograde step,” it said.
“Therefore, the Politburo of the CPI(M), demands immediate withdrawal of the proposed amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules,” it added.
According to Rule 93, all documents related to the election shall be open for public inspection. The amendment inserts “as prescribed in these rules” after “papers”.
Law ministry and commission officials separately explained that the court case was the “trigger” behind the amendment.
Punjab and Haryana High Court recently Mahmood Pracha v. EC case, directed to share all documents related to the Haryana Assembly elections, including CCTV camera footage deemed admissible under Rule 93(2), with Pracha.
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
An official of the commission said, ‘Citing the rules, there have been cases where such electronic records have been searched. The amendment ensures that only documents mentioned in the rules are available for public inspection and no other documents not mentioned in the rules. Public inspection is allowed.” 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 fake narratives using AI.
published – December 23, 2024 at 12:31 pm IST