NationalFriday, 9 October 2026·The Hindu - National
ECI defence by 42 former judges: electoral roll revision, EVM trust and constitutional institutions
Forty-two former judges defended the Election Commission of India and backed electoral roll revision, warning against attacks on constitutional institutions.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In October 2026, 42 former Supreme Court and High Court judges issued an open letter defending the Election Commission of India (ECI) and saying electoral roll revision is meant to ensure accurate voter lists and free and fair elections.
Key specifics
- 42 former judges signed the open letter, including Hemant Gupta and Pankaj Mithal from the Supreme Court.
- The letter named former High Court Chief Justices B.C. Patel, Subhro Kamal Mukherjee and Permod Kohli among the signatories.
- The judges said allegations of “vote theft” were being made at press conferences, not before courts, and that no sworn declaration had been filed when the ECI sought one.
- They said Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were blamed only after defeat, while victories on the same machines were not questioned.
- The letter warned that attacks on the ECI, judiciary and statutory bodies could weaken public confidence in constitutional institutions.
Exam lens
Polity and governance MCQ angle: ECI, electoral rolls, EVMs, constitutional institutions, judicial response to allegations. TNPSC may ask who defended the ECI, what issue was raised, and why electoral roll revision matters.