Chandigarh, 22 December 2024: The government amended election rules on Friday to restrict the public disclosure of certain electronic documents, including polling station CCTV footage, webcasting recordings, and video clips of candidates. The step was taken amid concerns over potential misuse, particularly through the manipulation of such footage using artificial intelligence.
While these materials will remain accessible to candidates, others seeking access must now approach the courts. Officials cited the growing risk of tampered footage spreading false narratives as a significant reason for the change.
The Law Ministry modified Rule 93(2)(a) of the Election Commission Rules, 1961, on the recommendation of the Election Commission. Previously, the rule stated that “all documents relating to elections shall be made publicly available.” The amendment now clarifies that such availability is “as per the rules.”
The change follows a Punjab and Haryana High Court verdict, which had directed the sharing of election-related documents, including CCTV footage, during a case involving the Haryana Assembly elections. The Election Commission had argued that electronic records were not covered under Rule 93, prompting the amendment to resolve this ambiguity.
