ECI calls objections by two commissioners part of normal decision-making process

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday acknowledged that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded objections and observations on several decisions, but said such differences were part of its normal decision-making process.

The response came after an Indian Express investigation reported that the two commissioners had objected on record at least 14 times in 10 months to decisions they said were taken without their knowledge.

In a press note, the ECI said written notes, technical suggestions and internal checks by commissioners were "standard, ongoing practices" aimed at improving electoral processes. It maintained that all decisions taken by the full Commission over the past year, including those related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), were unanimous.

However, the Commission did not address specific issues raised in the report, including changes to Form 6, the handling of appeals in West Bengal, concerns over access electoral roll software and a work-allocation order. 

The Indian Express reported that Joshi had objected in May to changes in Form 6 without amendments to the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. Sandhu later described the change as "unauthorised/illegal" and sought its removal. 

The report also said both commissioners had objected to a July 28 work-allocation order and later wrote to the Cabinet Secretary, calling it a violation of provisions of the 2023 Act. The new allocation was subsequently set aside.

The ECI said its electoral software operates under strict data-security protocols and that electoral officials exercise their statutory powers under law.

The Indian Express investigation was based on internal notes and letters exchanged between October 2025 and August 2026 concerning the electoral-roll revision process.