The government has tweaked an election rule to prevent public inspection of certain electronic documents such as CCTV camera and webcasting footage as well as video recordings of candidates to prevent...

The government has tweaked an election rule to prevent public inspection of certain electronic documents such as CCTV cameras, webcasting footage, and video recordings of candidates to prevent their misuse.

The Union government amended the Conduct of Election Rules thus restricting access to certain documents from the general public.

Amendment to Rule 93 restricts public access to electronic election documents to prevent misuse, says Law Ministry and EC.

The government, however, said that individuals or organisations can approach court if they want access to CCTV cameras, webcasting footage and video recordings of candidates.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused the central government of systematically undermining the Election Commission's independence through amendments to election rules and other measures.

Congress accuses the Modi government of undermining the Election Commission's integrity by restricting public access to election-related documents, including CCTV footage and webcasting recordings.

According to Rule 93, all 'papers' related to elections shall be open to public inspection. The amendment inserts 'as specified in these rules' after 'papers'.

Congress president Kharge criticises Modi government for amending election rule to hide electronic documents, threatening Election Commission's integrity.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh has also said the party would legally challenge this move of the ECI.