Election Commission’s Credibility at Stake, Cautions SC Advocate Sanjay Hegde

Quick Summary

• Supreme Court advocate Sanjay Hegde raised concerns about the Election Commission of India’s credibility during ‘Gauri Day 2025’ in Bengaluru.
• He critiqued the Commission for prioritizing voter exclusions, disproportionately affecting minorities and poorer communities.
• Hegde emphasized the need for reforms in appointing Election Commissioners, suggesting public trust in elections is at risk if perceived as partisan.
• Journalist Dinesh Amin Mattu described controversies around electoral processes as symptoms of systemic issues requiring structural reform.
• Activists flagged flaws in Bihar’s “special intensive revision” of voter lists,which they claim unfairly scrutinizes ordinary citizens and targets vulnerable groups.
• Concerns were also voiced over exclusions from electoral rolls linked to NRC uncertainty in Assam.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The discussion highlights growing unease regarding India’s electoral integrity amid claims that systemic biases may disenfranchise weaker sections of society. With voting rights forming a cornerstone of democracy, criticisms regarding processes like “special intensive revisions” or exclusionary practices-if unaddressed-may erode public trust. The ongoing controversy about biased appointments implies structural vulnerability if leadership roles fail to reflect neutrality.

India’s democratic framework has historically rested on its election body’s credibility; so calls for reforms such as inclusive appointment procedures merit attention. While some issues are state-specific (e.g., NRC-linked voter roll disputes), broader systemic accountability remains crucial to safeguarding equity across India’s diverse electorate.

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