Delhi High Court Seeks ECI’s Response on Preserving EVM Video Footage

The Delhi High Court has requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to submit an affidavit regarding the videography conducted and CCTV footage maintained concerning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), along with the guidelines followed for preserving the video footage of the electoral process.

The plea, filed in the court, highlighted the importance of CCTV coverage and constant videography of entry points to the Polled EVM strong rooms as mandated by the Manual on Electronic Voting Machine. The petitioner stressed that such footage is crucial in case of any challenge to the polling results.

The petitioner specifically sought a direction to the ECI to ensure the safeguarding and protection of all videography and CCTV coverage related to elections in the Rampur Lok Sabha constituency, Uttar Pradesh. This includes footage recorded as per various clauses of the Manual on Electronic Voting Machine, Edition 8 August 2023, for a period of 45 days from the date of the election of the returned candidate.

The matter is scheduled to be heard next on May 16, indicating the court’s prompt attention to the petitioner’s concerns regarding the preservation of election-related video footage. This development underscores the significance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process, ensuring public trust and confidence in democratic institutions.

As the case progresses, it will be pivotal to observe how the Election Commission responds to the court’s request and how measures are taken to address the petitioner’s demands for the protection of EVM video footage. This legal action reflects the ongoing efforts to enhance electoral integrity and uphold democratic principles in the electoral process.

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