New Delhi, Jan 15: The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to examine a plea filed by senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh challenging the amendment to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, which restricts public access to election materials, such as CCTV footage unless explicitly listed by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Issuing notice, a bench of CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar sought responses of the Union government and the ECI in the matter. The petition will be listed next for hearing in the week commencing March 17.

In his plea filed before the top court, the general secretary of the grand old party contended that the ECI cannot be allowed to unilaterally amend the 1961 Conduct of Election Rules in such a brazen manner and without public consultation.

“A Writ has just been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. The Election Commission, a Constitutional body, charged with the conduct of free and fair elections cannot be allowed to unilaterally, and without public consultation, amend such a vital law in such a brazen manner,” said Ramesh, in a post on social media platform X.

Ramesh, the Rajya Sabha MP, added that the amendment, introduced on December 21 following recommendations from the ECI, does away with “public access to essential information that makes the electoral process more transparent and accountable”.

“The integrity of the electoral process is fast eroding. Hopefully, the Supreme Court will help restore it,” he asserted.

The amendment was apparently seen as a reaction to a Punjab and Haryana High Court directive to provide CCTV footage of an election booth.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin strongly criticised the amendment and called it an undemocratic assault on free and fair elections. In a post on X, CM Stalin said that democracy was facing its gravest threat under the BJP-led Union Government.

Voicing his objections, he said, “Democracy is facing its gravest threat under the BJP-led Union Government, with the reckless amendment of Section 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules designed to undermine transparency in elections.” CM Stalin added that the move undermines one of the Constitution’s fundamental features — transparency.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister called on all political parties, including those aligned with the Union Government, to unite against what he termed an undemocratic assault on free and fair elections.

The much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper train completed its trial run on Wednesday between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central on Western Railway. ‘The prototype rake, designed to offer world-class comfort and convenience, reached Mumbai Central at 1:50 PM, where it was welcomed several railway officials and rail enthusiasts” said an official.

The train has dog boxes at both ends and ample linen storage for overnight journeys with 38 special berth for attendant. According to WR, the train features a sleek design and cutting-edge interiors, with amenities designed to enhance passenger comfort on long-distance journeys.

The 16-coach train includes 11 AC-3 tier coaches, 4 AC-2 tier coaches, and 1 First AC coach. Each coach boasts advanced features such as Type A and C charging ports, foldable snack tables, integrated lighting systems, and dedicated laptop charging points.

The train is also equipped with Braille navigation aids for visually impaired passengers, HL3 fire safety compliance, smooth gangway connectivity, and an additional berth for attendants, bringing the total to 38.

“The trial run was conducted at a speed of 130 kmph, and further analysis will be carried out by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) before the final certification is issued” said an official.

Rail enthusiasts praised the train for its modern design and passenger-centric approach. “The interiors are on par with global standards, with spacious seating and thoughtful features like integrated lighting and foldable tables,” commented a enthusiasts.

This trial marks a significant step toward enhancing India’s rail travel experience. Once operational, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to redefine overnight travel across major routes, catering to the growing demand for high-speed, luxury train services.

Highlights of the Train

First AC Coach: 24 berth

Second AC Coaches: 48 berth each.

Third AC Coaches: Five with 67 berth each and four with 55 berth each.

New Delhi: A political slugfest has broken out between the leaders of the BJP and the Congress over the “Indian state” remarks of the leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the run-up to the Delhi assembly elections.

Notably, while inaugurating the party’s new headquarters ‘Indira Bhawan,’ hitting out at the BJP, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties were not just fighting the BJP but “the Indian state itself.” BJP hit back, accusing the Gandhi family of “dividing the country.”

Coming out in defence of Rahul Gandhi, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal criticized BJP-RSS leaders for their lack of involvement in the freedom struggle, stating that Rahul Gandhi has attacked this sentiment and criticized their anti-national actions. The Congress party plans to take this issue to the people of the country.

He also criticised RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s reported remarks about not considering August 15, 1947, as the day of independence. Venugopal emphasized that thousands of Indians sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom, and Bhagwat’s statement undermines their contributions.

“Mohan Bhagwat’s statement is quite anti-national. You know thousands of Indians sacrificed their lives for the Indian freedom struggle. Mohan Bhagwat yesterday said that India did not gain independence in 1947. He has insulted the martyrs of the Indian freedom struggle including Mahatma Gandhi. It was an anti-national statement,” the Congress MP said.

The Congress MP alluded that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks were directed against RSS Chief. “Rahul Gandhi attacked this sentiment. BJP-RSS leaders did not have any role in the freedom struggle. Rahul Gandhi criticised their anti-national action. We will take this issue to the people of the country,” Venugopal said.

Rahul’s statement is now getting sharp criticism from BJP leaders.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a post on X, “The LoP, who was sworn in by taking oath on the Constitution, is now saying, “We are now fighting the BJP, the RSS and the Indian State itself.” “So, @INCIndia and @RahulGandhi, what are you carrying a copy of the constitution for in your hand?,” she questioned in the post.

Responding to the statement Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri asked Rahul to undergo a medical checkup. “Tell him to go get his mental stability checked,” said Puri.

Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva said, “Rahul Gandhi’s Congress is not working. Rahul Gandhi ruins Congress wherever he goes. He has already ruined Congress in Delhi. If corruption-free governance is needed in Delhi, then a double-engine government will be formed. BJP is coming to Delhi under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks have now ignited an all-out fight with the BJP who has criticised the remarks. With campaigning for the Delhi election entering a decisive phase the fight is expected to get bitter. Delhi goes to polling on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8.