Former Judges Write Open Letter, Warn Against Vote Theft Allegations

A group of 42 retired judges has written an open letter in which they have warned against attempts to undermine the Election Commission and other institutions. Such attempts, they argued, will erode people’s faith and when the “ballot loses meaning, the street gains it”. “Unrest begins with a narrative. Anarchic and fringe elements then occupy the vacuum. Some are homegrown. Some take their cues from beyond our borders,” added the strongly worded letter — which comes amid massive protests by the Opposition against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the voter list revision.

In a TV report said, the retired judges have expressed grave concern over the ongoing campaign to undermine the Election Commission, judiciary and other constitutional institutions. They have questioned allegations of “vote theft” without supporting evidence, warning against repeatedly branding constitutional authorities as “thieves” and “compromised”.

We write because, in moments like these, silence is no longer a neutral choice. Our concern is grave. India’s constitutional bodies are under sustained attack,” the letter read.(UPDATED ON 8TH OCT 2026)