Reacting to an investigative report that claimed that two of the three Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, have formally recorded objections at least 14 times over ten months, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said that “dffering views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution.”
“They are a part of the decision-making process before a final decision is taken.
Not only the three Commissioners, but every officer of the Commission is fully authorized to give his suggestions to the Commission for improving the electoral system,” ECI said in a statement.
Any operational queries or inputs raised by Commission members during draft stages are part of standard administrative practice aimed at safeguarding voter rights. They are a part of the decision-making process before a final decision is taken. The Indian Express on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) carried an ‘expose’ that said that major decisions were being made in the name of the full Election Commission without their knowledge — several of which they called “unauthorised and illegal. “Highlighting certain specific internal notes/observations spread over the period of 10 months while overlooking the much larger body of approvals, decisions, instructions and initiatives give only one part of the picture.
Both the Election Commissioners red-flagged several key issues, led by the centralisation of the electoral rolls, according to the report. The suggestions given by the Commissioners were for further improving the electoral processes,” the ECI said in its response. Earlier reporting noted: In a press note issued by the poll body, the EC said its three members may have individual views, observations or suggestions during deliberations, but all final decisions of the poll body are taken unanimously. Earlier reporting noted: The poll body said operational queries or inputs raised by Commissioners at the draft stage should not be construed as final decisions. Not only the three Commissioners, but every officer of the Commission is fully authorised to give his suggestions to the Commission for improving the electoral system,” the press note said.
Earlier reporting noted: “Differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution.
Meanwhile, Opposition leaders have accused CEC Gyanesh Kumar of indulging in “one-man autocracy” and have demanded his removal.
