Election rules tweaked to restrict public inspection of electronic records

Sat Dec 21 11:18:14 UTC 2024: **Election Rule Tweaked to Prevent Misuse of Electronic Election Records**

New Delhi, December 21, 2024 – The Indian government has amended election rules to restrict public access to certain electronic election documents. Following a recommendation from the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Union Law Ministry modified Rule 93 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. The amendment clarifies that only documents specifically listed in the rules, such as nomination forms and election results, are subject to public inspection. This excludes electronic records like CCTV footage from polling booths and webcasting recordings.

The ECI cited concerns about the potential misuse of such electronic data, including breaches of voter secrecy and the creation of AI-generated misinformation. The amendment, triggered by a recent court case in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, aims to prevent this misuse. While candidates will still retain access to these materials, the public will need to pursue legal avenues to obtain them. ECI officials emphasized that this change does not affect the availability of information to candidates themselves.