Former judges defend Election Commission amid political attacks, highlight constitutional safeguards for electoral integrity

Hindustan Times - India · 9 Oct 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS2 Polity and constitution High relevance

42 former judges issued an open letter defending the Election Commission's constitutional mandate and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, warning against politically motivated attacks eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

Key points

Constitutional Mandate: The letter emphasizes that the Election Commission of India operates under constitutional authority (Article 324) and statutory powers under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR): Defended as a lawful exercise under Section 21(3) of RP Act 1950 to update electoral rolls by removing duplicates, deceased voters, and adding eligible citizens - a routine process since 1951.

Judicial Endorsement: The Supreme Court has upheld SIR's legality, noting its legitimate purpose and safeguards including notice, hearing, objection and appeal mechanisms.

Political Attacks: Former judges condemned baseless allegations of 'vote theft' and derogatory labeling of constitutional authorities as undermining institutional credibility.

Public Trust: The letter warns that delegitimizing electoral processes risks damaging citizen faith in democracy, noting India's history of peaceful power transfers.

[GS2-Governance] The controversy tests institutional resilience of constitutional bodies against political pressures, a recurring theme in governance questions.

Media Responsibility: Urges media to verify claims before amplification, distinguishing between democratic criticism and unfounded denigration.

Way Forward: Strengthen ECI's operational autonomy through statutory safeguards, establish bipartisan oversight for electoral roll revisions, and mandate media accountability protocols for reporting on constitutional institutions.

Key terms

Article 324

Constitutional provision vesting superintendence, direction and control of elections in the Election Commission of India. It empowers ECI to conduct free and fair elections, making it a cornerstone of India's democratic framework.

Representation of the People Act, 1950

Key legislation governing electoral rolls and delimitation. Section 21(3) specifically authorizes periodic revision of voter lists, forming the legal basis for Special Intensive Revision exercises.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

Comprehensive electoral roll update process conducted by ECI to ensure list accuracy. Includes door-to-door verification, deletion of ineligible entries and addition of eligible voters, with judicial oversight safeguards.

Z+ Security

Highest-level central protection provided to high-risk individuals, recently upgraded for CEC Gyanesh Kumar amid protests. Reflects tensions between executive security provisions and institutional independence.