Around 42 former judges and retired holders of constitutional offices have come out in support of the Election Commission of India, expressing concern over what they described as a sustained campaign against the poll panel, judiciary and other constitutional institutions.
In an open letter, the signatories said they were not acting with any political agenda and had decided to speak because “silence is no longer a neutral choice”. They alleged that constitutional institutions were being targeted for political reasons and warned that continued attacks could affect public confidence in democratic processes.
"Our concern is grave. India's constitutional bodies are under sustained attack. The Election Commission of India stands at the centre of this assault," the letter read.
Former judges back SIR
The former judges also defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, saying such exercises fall within the Election Commission’s constitutional responsibilities.
The letter cited Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which empowers the Commission to revise electoral rolls. It said intensive revisions have been carried out at different points since the first general elections.
According to the signatories, updating electoral rolls is necessary to remove names of deceased voters, duplicate entries and people who have moved, while ensuring that eligible citizens are included.
They also referred to the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the SIR and said the process has safeguards including notice, hearing, objection and appeal.
“A clean roll protects every genuine vote," they said.
Warning against undermining elections
The letter questioned allegations of “vote theft” when they were not backed by evidence and objected to constitutional authorities being described publicly as “thieves”, “puppets” and “compromised”.
“Criticism of institutions is a democratic right. Denigration is not,” the letter states.
The signatories said election officials had also faced public naming and warnings of reprisals in the event of a change in government. They noted that no court had found the allegations against constitutional authorities to be proven.
“The campaign of casting suspicion continues unabated, regardless of facts or consequences,” the former judges said.
They further warned that repeatedly telling people their votes have no value could weaken faith in elections.
“Trust is the currency of democracy,” the letter states. “When the ballot loses meaning, the street gains it.”
Appeal to parties and citizens
The former judges urged political parties to raise electoral complaints through the Election Commission and courts, backed by evidence. They also asked the media not to amplify unverified allegations.
“A headline is not evidence, and repetition does not make an allegation the truth.”
The appeal to citizens was equally direct: “Verify the facts before acting on them. Do not let anyone convince you that your vote is meaningless. Your vote is your voice, and it matters.”
The letter concluded: “We remain, in service of the Constitution,” the former judges said.