Former Judges Warn Against Attacks on ECI and Judiciary
Retired judges and constitutional veterans urge citizens and media to defend India's institutions against campaigns targeting the Election Commission.
In a significant move to protect the bedrock of Indian democracy, a collective of former judges and retired holders of constitutional offices has issued an urgent open letter. The group is calling upon political parties, the media, and the general public to defend constitutional institutions against what they describe as a sustained and damaging campaign targeting the Election Commission of India (ECI), the higher judiciary, and various statutory bodies.
A Defense of Democratic Integrity
Writing as veterans of constitutional office, the signatories emphasized that they are acting independently and hold no brief for any political entity. While acknowledging that criticizing institutions is a fundamental democratic right, they expressed deep concern over the manner in which these authorities are being targeted. They noted a rising trend where constitutional officials are being labeled as "thieves," "puppets," or "compromised" without any such allegations being proven in a court of law.
The letter specifically highlighted a pattern regarding allegations of "vote theft." The signatories pointed out that such serious claims are increasingly being made during press conferences rather than being presented before judicial authorities. They noted that when the Election Commission has sought sworn declarations to substantiate such claims, they are often not filed.
Concerns Over EVMs and Electoral Rolls
The group also raised questions regarding the selective criticism of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), noting that such scrutiny often appears only following electoral defeats. Furthermore, they addressed the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, clarifying its importance in the democratic process.
According to the letter, the revision process is a vital constitutional and statutory requirement designed to:
- Remove the names of deceased individuals from the rolls.
- Eliminate duplicate entries.
- Update records for voters who have shifted their residence.
- Ensure all eligible citizens are correctly included.
The signatories noted that two decades of rapid migration and urbanization have made these intensive revisions necessary for maintaining accuracy. They reminded the public that the Supreme Court has previously upheld the legality of the SIR, noting that the process includes essential safeguards such as notices, hearings, objections, and the right to appeal.
The Risk of Eroding Public Trust
A central theme of the letter was the warning that continuous attacks on the credibility of electoral institutions could have dire consequences for the nation. The signatories cautioned that repeatedly telling citizens that their votes do not count risks undermining faith in the entire electoral process, potentially creating a vacuum for unrest and the influence of fringe elements.
The letter concluded with a direct appeal to various sectors of society:
- To Political Parties: Contest elections vigorously but refrain from delegitimizing the process. Grievances must be taken to the Election Commission and courts backed by evidence.
- To the Media: Scrutinize and verify all allegations thoroughly before reporting them to the public.
- To Constitutional Bodies: Maintain transparency and proactively address legitimate concerns raised by the public.
"Constitutional bodies do not belong to any government; they belong to the people of India," the letter stated, reminding citizens that defending these institutions is essential to safeguarding their own democratic rights.