Hearing an appeal stemming from a contentious legal battle where BJP's D.N. Jeevaraj was declared the winner over Congress leader T.D. Rajegowda following a recount, the bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and Sanjeev Sachdeva made its displeasure clear.

When the ECI reported it could not locate the footage, the apex court outright rejected the explanation, stating that the poll body cannot simply lose crucial records.

Warning that an adverse inference would be drawn against the commission if records are not produced, the court demanded accountability for election integrity.

The matter is set for its next hearing on February 15, 2027.