ISAS Briefs

The election body in India has suddenly come in for adverse attention. There have been delays in taking decisions in complaints against India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and president of the ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Amit Shah. The Supreme Court had to nudge the Election Commission (EC) into taking decisions. The decision, when taken, seems to favour the Prime Minister. There are also reports of divided opinions within the EC. There is no cause for any disquiet in such differences. All that is required in the best traditions of such constitutional bodies is for the opinions expressed by Election Commissioners to be made public. This will serve to preserve the transparency and independence of the institution.