Supreme Court Demands Missing 2023 Karnataka Vote-Counting Video from Election Commission

The Supreme Court pressed the Election Commission to produce video footage of vote counting from the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election after officials said the recording could not be traced.

Background and legal issue

The request arose in election litigation involving a winning candidate, T D Rajegowda. The disputed footage was sought as potential evidence concerning the counting process.

Court’s reasoning and procedural position

The Bench rejected vague explanations for non-production and emphasised the need for responsible preservation and retrieval of election records.

Legal consequence and next step

The Commission must account for the footage and comply with the Court’s directions. The hearing did not establish that counting irregularities occurred.