Writ Petition by Independent Candidate Shailendra Singh Disposed Following Election Commission's Assurance to Comply with Videography Provisions in EC Handbook
In a significant move towards enhancing transparency in electoral processes, the Allahabad High Court on October 22, 2026, disposed of a writ petition filed by Shailendra Singh, an independent candidate contesting the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections from the Lucknow Division Graduates' Constituency. The petition sought a direction for continuous and uninterrupted videography of polling proceedings inside all polling stations, as stipulated in the Election Commission of India's Handbook for Returning Officers for Elections to the Council of States and State Legislative Councils, 2016.
The petitioner's counsel emphasized the need for stringent measures to ensure transparency and accountability during the elections, highlighting Paragraph 49 and Chapter IX, Paragraph 14 of the EC Handbook, which lay down detailed procedures for videography of poll proceedings. The petitioner sought that videography be conducted under the supervision of an accountable officer to prevent any malpractice or irregularities.
Responding to the petition, senior counsel representing the Election Commission of India, Sri O.P. Srivastava, informed the court that the Chief Electoral Officer had already made provisions to comply with the videography guidelines as per the EC Handbook. The Commission assured that videography would be conducted continuously and without interruption throughout the polling process on the election day.
Upon receiving this assurance, the petitioner's counsel expressed satisfaction, leading the bench comprising Justices Alok Mathur and Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary to dispose of the writ petition in terms of the Election Commission's statement. The Court also took on record supplementary affidavits and written instructions filed on the same day to reinforce the commitment.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's proactive stance in upholding electoral transparency and the Election Commission's responsibility to implement procedural safeguards effectively. By mandating continuous videography of polling stations, the Court aims to bolster voter confidence and deter electoral malpractices, thereby strengthening the democratic process.
Bottom Line:
Election law - Candidate sought direction for continuous and uninterrupted videography of poll proceedings inside all polling stations in accordance with Election Commission Handbook - Election Commission stated that necessary provision had already been made and videography would be conducted as per Handbook - Writ petition disposed of in terms of said statement.
Statutory provision(s): Election Commission of India Handbook for Returning Officers for Elections to the Council of States and State Legislative Councils, 2016, Paragraph 49, Chapter IX Paragraph 14
