'Election Commission at centre of assault': 42 ex-judges defend Indian polls in open letter

'EC at centre of assault': 42 ex-judges defend India's poll process in open letter amid protest against Gyanesh Kumar In a strongly worded open letter, the former judges questioned allegations of “vote theft” made without supporting evidence.

Updated on: Oct 8, 2026, 15:28:19 IST By HT News Desk Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link 42 former judges have expressed concern over what they described as a sustained campaign to undermine the Election Commission, judiciary and other constitutional institutions.

Congress workers raise a slogan during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, in Srinagar on Thursday. (ANI Photo) In a strongly worded open letter, the former judges questioned allegations of “vote theft” made without supporting evidence.

They warned that repeatedly calling constitutional authorities “thieves” and “compromised” could weaken public trust in democratic institutions.

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