CCTV Footage Confidentiality in Elections: Protecting Voter Privacy
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized that CCTV footage from polling stations remains private, accessible only to high courts. This measure, likened to maintaining the secrecy of Form 17A, aims to protect voter privacy. Recent legal precedents support non-disclosure to the public to prevent potential misuse against voters.
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The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, on Monday addressed the privacy concerns surrounding the release of CCTV footage from polling stations. He firmly stated that such footage can only be accessed by high courts to safeguard voter privacy, aligning it with the confidentiality of Form 17A, which is similarly restricted.
At a press conference unveiling the schedule for the Bihar assembly elections, Kumar reiterated that the footage remains protected unless required by a high court during an election petition. This ensures the identities of voters, including those who chose not to vote, remain undisclosed.
He recalled a case dismissed by the Bombay High Court, supported by the Supreme Court, which upheld the confidentiality of the footage. In December, a rule was amended to prevent public access, underscoring the government's commitment to securing electoral processes.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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