Former Election Commissioner Questions Legal Immunity for Election Commissioners

Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa criticized the legal immunity granted to current and former Chief Election Commissioners and Election Commissioners under the 2023 law, describing it as an extraordinary protection not seen in other public institutions. Speaking at a panel discussion, he emphasized that accountability is essential in a democracy and that decisions should withstand judicial scrutiny. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging this immunity, which prevents courts from entertaining civil or criminal cases against ECs for actions taken in office.