Attempt to defame EC, raising arguments without concrete evidence': 42 former judges write letter to CJI

NEW DELHI: A 42-member group comprising former judges wrote an open letter to the President and the Chief Justice, alleging attempts made to malign the Election Commission of India. The former judges expressed concern over campaigns aimed at undermining the credibility of constitutional bodies, including the Election Commission.

The letter from former judges comes amidst strong protests by opposition parties against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission. The letter warns that constantly casting doubt on constitutional institutions erodes public faith in democracy.

The judges raised apprehension over the opposition raising arguments without any concrete evidence of vote fraud in the elections. While criticism is a democratic right, the letter points out that disparaging constitutional institutions is inappropriate.

The letter also points out that protecting people's trust in constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission, is essential for a free and fair democracy. Former Supreme Court judges Justice Hemant Gupta and Justice Pankaj Mittal, former High Court Chief Justices and other retired judges signed the letter.