Tue Dec 24 09:28:12 UTC 2024: ## Congress Challenges Election Rule Changes in Supreme Court
**New Delhi, December 24, 2024** – The Indian National Congress filed a writ petition with the Supreme Court today, challenging recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. The party argues that these amendments, which restrict public access to electronic election-related documents like CCTV footage and webcasting recordings, undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
The amendments, based on a recommendation from the Election Commission of India and implemented on December 20th, modify Rule 93(2)(a) to limit the types of documents available for public inspection. Congress leaders K.C. Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, and Pawan Khera addressed the media following the filing of the petition.
Jairam Ramesh, who filed the petition, stated that the Election Commission’s unilateral amendment, made without public consultation, is unacceptable. He expressed concern that the changes reduce transparency and accountability in the electoral process. He voiced hope that the Supreme Court would intervene to restore the integrity of the election system. The Congress contends that the amendments hinder public scrutiny of vital information related to elections, potentially impacting fair and transparent elections.
First Piper 