Chandigarh, October 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Karam Chand Puri has criticised the use of terms such as “vote chor” and “puppet” against the Election Commission of India (ECI), saying such language and street protests over electoral issues risk damaging the country’s image abroad.
Puri’s remarks came after 42 retired judges issued an open letter cautioning against attempts to undermine the Election Commission and other constitutional institutions. The development followed protests seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Puri said the revision was necessary to address changes in voter records over the years, including deaths, transfers, duplicate entries and incorrect listings. He noted that the previous SIR had taken place around 20 years ago.
“It pains us when improper language is used against constitutional establishments like the Supreme Court or the Election Commission,” he said, describing the use of such terms in a democratic country as wrong.
He stressed that the open letter was not intended to target any political party or take sides. Genuine grievances, including cases in which eligible voters’ names had been deleted, should be brought forward and addressed, he said, adding that using such concerns for political purposes should be discouraged.
Puri also acknowledged that denial of the right to vote would violate fundamental rights. He maintained, however, that allegations of electoral wrongdoing should be pursued through constitutional and legal remedies rather than street protests.
“If anyone’s votes have been stolen, what are the remedies according to the Constitution? First, you should approach the Election Commission. The second remedy is the court,” he said.
On allegations concerning electronic voting machines, Puri questioned the consistency of such claims, saying they were often raised when political parties lost elections but not when they won.
He further claimed that external forces were present behind the ongoing agitations, though he did not name any country or provide evidence for the assertion. He appealed to young people to examine all the facts before taking action.
Puri said he would support any party raising genuine evidence of vote rigging but criticised aggressive protests that block roads, disrupt traffic or obstruct ambulances, warning that such actions could have serious consequences.
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