Amendment to Conduct of Election Rules 1961
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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Rule 93(2)(a) text: BEFORE, it allowed public access to 'all other papers relating to the election'. NOW, it adds the phrase 'as specified in these rules', legally blocking access to unlisted documents.
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Access to electronic records: BEFORE, the broad language permitted courts and RTI applicants to seek electronic data like CCTV and webcasting footage. NOW, these records are excluded from routine public inspection since they are not explicitly specified as inspectable documents in the 1961 rules.
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Candidate access vs Public access: BEFORE, both candidates and the general public could broadly seek election materials. NOW, while contesting candidates and their agents still retain access to view these records, general citizens and activists are barred.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the December 2024 amendment to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961? 1. The amendment broadened public access by mandating the proactive disclosure of polling booth CCTV footage under the RTI Act. 2. It added the phrase 'as specified in these rules' to Rule 93(2)(a) to limit the types of election documents open for public inspection.