Kerala’s fears echo in India

A resolution passed by a state assembly has no binding effect on the Election Commission of India (ECI). That much is clear.

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Yet, the unanimous resolution adopted by the Kerala Assembly this week, questioning the Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, cannot be brushed aside as mere political rhetoric. It reflects a deep unease shared across the political spectrum about the way the ECI has been conducting itself in recent years. The government has granted extraordinary powers to the Chief Election Commissioner and the two election commissioners. These powers come with blanket immunity: no civil or criminal law is applicable to them for their actions during their tenure, and even after they leave office, they cannot be held accountable for decisions taken while in the Commission. No other constitutional authority enjoys such sweeping protection.