The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rejected reports alleging that major decisions were taken without the knowledge or approval of all Election Commissioners. The Commission said its decisions have been made according to established laws, rules and procedures.
The response came after a report by The Indian Express claimed that two of the three Election Commissioners had raised objections at least 14 times over a period of 10 months. According to the report, the objections concerned several important decisions taken by the poll body.
The ECI said that presenting selected internal notes or observations without the full context could give the public only one side of the decision-making process. The Commission said internal discussions naturally include questions, suggestions and different views before a final decision is reached.
The Commission also stated that it functions as a multi-member constitutional body. According to the ECI, written observations and suggestions from its members are part of the normal process of reviewing decisions and ensuring that actions comply with legal requirements.
Addressing reports related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the ECI said that the decisions concerning the process were taken unanimously and approved by all members. It rejected suggestions that such decisions were made without the knowledge of other commissioners.
The Commission further said that differences of opinion during internal discussions should not automatically be viewed as evidence of a dispute within the institution. Members and officials are permitted to raise concerns or make suggestions when they believe changes could improve the electoral system.
The ECI pointed to several decisions, new initiatives and electoral reforms implemented during the past year as examples of its ongoing work. It said that official orders and administrative directions are issued through established procedures and within the legal framework provided by the 2023 Act governing the appointment and functioning of the Election Commission.
The Commission also responded to concerns regarding the security of its digital systems. It said platforms such as ECINet are protected by data-security protocols designed to prevent unauthorized access, changes or manipulation of information.
On voter registration and deletion of names from electoral rolls, the ECI clarified that statutory authorities such as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and District Election Officers (DEOs) carry out these responsibilities under the relevant legal provisions.
The Commission maintained that its internal review process includes checks and opportunities for members to express their views before decisions are finalized. It said that individual notes or observations should therefore be considered as part of the broader decision-making process rather than as complete evidence of how a final decision was reached.
The dispute comes amid wider discussions about the independence and functioning of India’s election machinery. The ECI’s statement seeks to clarify its position and says that its decisions continue to follow the applicable constitutional and legal framework.