The ECI’s constitutional mandate is under strain
This article critiques the current state of the Election Commission of India, arguing that its recent actions regarding electoral roll revisions have compromised its constitutional mandate for impartiality. It references the historical intent of the Constituent Assembly to keep the commission independent from executive control.
Why it matters
It addresses critical concerns regarding the integrity of democratic institutions and the separation of powers in India.
Never before has the Election Commission of India (ECI) been subjected to such public opprobrium as it is witnessing today. This constitutional body has always enjoyed the admiration of people both within and outside the country. Indeed, the reputation of India’s ECI has been global, because of its competence, impartiality and unwavering commitment to democratic norms. But today, its reputation is in the mud because of its actions in recent times, which smack of illegality, partisanship and worse. The manner in which it has carried out the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in various States shows an utter disregard for the law and a disdain for procedural correctness and constitutional propriety.
Explained | When Election Commission was rocked by internal disputes
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