A group of 42 retired judges have written an open letter warning against attempts to undermine the Election Commission or other government institutions. They argued that such attempts will erode people’s faith when the ballot loses meaning and the street gains it.
“Unrest begins with a narrative. Anarchic and fringe elements then occupy the vacuum. Some are homegrown. Some take their cues from beyond our borders,” were strong words in the letter.
The letter comes amid the outrage by the opposition against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the voter list revision. The retired judges have expressed grave concern over the ongoing campaigns to undermine the Election Commission, judiciary and other constitutional institutions.
In the letter, the retired judges further questioned the allegations of vote theft without supporting evidence, warning against repeatedly branding constitutional authorities as thieves and compromised.
“We write because, in moments like these, silence is no longer a neutral choice. Our concern is grave. India’s constitutional bodies are under sustained attack,” the letter read.
“The Election Commission of India stands at the centre of this assault. Even the higher judiciary, which we hold in high esteem, and statutory agencies have not been spared,” it added.
Highlighting the SIR of electoral rolls, the signatories emphasised that it is a legally established exercise aimed at ensuring a clean and accurate voter list of the country.
“Trust is the currency of democracy,” the letter warned, cautioning that attempts to delegitimise elections could fuel unrest and embolden anarchic elements. While “Criticism of institutions is a democratic right. Denigration is not,” the letter read.
It further attacked the Congress and the Cockroach Janata Party, which are at the forefront of the agitation. It highlighted that the allegations of vote theft are being made at press conferences and not before courts. Electronic voting machines are being blamed only after defeat. Votes won on the same machines go unquestioned, it added, taking a jab at the Congress.
The signatories include former judges of the Supreme Court, Chief Justices of high courts and others. Former Supreme Court judges Justice Hemant Gupta and Justice Pankaj Mittal are among those who signed.