Election Commission must be free from political influence for democracy : B.V. Nagarathna, Supreme Court Judge

Patna (Bihar) – It is essential for democracy that Constitutional institutions like the Election Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and Finance Commission remain independent and free from political influence, opined Supreme Court Justice B.V. Nagarathna here. She was delivering a lecture at the Chanakya National Law University.

“Free Elections Need a Free ECI” 🗳️

Patna: Justice B.V. Nagarathna stresses that the Election Commission of India must remain independent and insulated from political influence.

If those who conduct elections are dependent on those who contest them, neutrality cannot be… pic.twitter.com/xZmUi6czXB

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Justice B.V. Nagarathna further said,

1. Elections are not just a periodic process, but a mechanism through which political power is established. Therefore, control over the electoral process means control over the terms of political competition.

2. The Supreme Court has considered the Commission to be a ‘supreme constitutional body’. If the body conducting the elections is dependent on the contesting parties, the fairness of the process cannot be ensured.

3. Constitutional erosion does not happen suddenly but rather begins when the institutional framework is gradually eroded. When institutions cease to control each other, then elections are held, parliament also functions; but effective control over power is gone.

4. State governments are not subordinate to the Central government as per the Constitution but have been given equal status. He also mentioned that there should be no ‘like-and-dislike’ approach towards States in development plans.