New Delhi: The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and the Election Commission (EC) on a petition filed by Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh challenging recent amendments to the 1961 Conduct of Election Rules. The amendments in question limit public access to CCTV footage and other election-related documents, raising concerns about transparency, reports the Vartha Bharati.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar issued notices on Wednesday after hearing arguments from senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi, who represented Ramesh. The court has scheduled the next hearing for the week starting March 17.
The plea questions the validity of the amendments, arguing they could hinder accountability and openness in the electoral process. The court’s notice marks the beginning of a legal examination of these controversial changes.
