Harish Salve Decries Political Targeting of Election Commission

Salve argued that while political parties maintain the right to challenge their opponents, framing constitutional institutions as targets creates a dangerous precedent. His comments follow intensified protests led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, who have demanded the CEC’s resignation over alleged irregularities during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Addressing claims of internal discord within the three-member poll panel, Salve dismissed reports of dissent as unsubstantiated. He noted that the Election Commission has already issued formal clarifications confirming that its decisions were reached unanimously. According to the former Solicitor General, if genuine disagreement existed among commissioners, standard procedure would dictate that formal dissent be recorded rather than allowing a decision to be presented as a collective consensus.

He emphasized that the Election Commission operates as a co-equal institution under the Constitution, with its authority supreme within its designated sphere. He maintained that any legal questions regarding the validity of electoral procedures, such as the amendment of Form 6, should be resolved through judicial oversight rather than public agitation. Salve concluded that the Supreme Court remains the final arbiter, capable of reviewing documents and setting aside orders should any legal infirmity be proven. He characterized the current political climate as an unfortunate attempt to drag independent institutions into the mud, urging a return to constitutional and judicial mechanisms for conflict resolution.