Retired officials warn against campaigns targeting Indian institutions

The signatories, writing in an October 7 open letter, emphasized that while institutional criticism is a fundamental democratic right, the current trend of labeling authorities as "puppets" or "compromised" without legal evidence is dangerous. They specifically pointed to the recurring rhetoric surrounding "vote theft" and electronic voting machines, noting that such claims are frequently aired in press conferences rather than being presented for rigorous judicial scrutiny.

Regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, the group defended the exercise as a necessary administrative function mandated by the Representation of the People Act, 1950. They argued that updates are essential to account for two decades of urbanization and migration, asserting that the process includes robust safeguards like hearings and appeals. The letter warned that repeatedly undermining the credibility of the electoral process risks fueling public unrest and marginalizing the democratic system. The former officials concluded by urging political parties to pursue grievances through formal legal channels and called on citizens to recognize that constitutional bodies exist to serve the public, not any specific government.