Chandigarh, March 31, 2026(Yes Punjab News)
Serious questions have been raised over the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) following allegations of inaction on a reported violation of its own electoral guidelines during the recently concluded Rajya Sabha elections in Haryana.
Advocate Hemant Kumar, practicing at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, submitted a detailed memorandum to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, highlighting what he terms as a “clear and serious violation” of ECI norms.
Alleged Breach of 2014 ECI Guidelines
According to the representation, during the biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) held on March 16, 2026, candidates from major political parties allegedly appointed sitting Ministers and Members of the Haryana Legislative Assembly (MLAs) as Counting Agents.
The complaint specifically names candidates including Sanjay Bhatia (BJP), Karamvir Singh Boudh (Congress), and Independent candidate Satish Nandal.
Advocate Kumar has pointed out that this practice is in direct contravention of ECI instructions dated May 9, 2014, which explicitly prohibit the appointment of sitting Ministers and MLAs as counting agents to ensure impartiality and transparency in the electoral process.
Two Weeks, No Response
Despite raising the issue with the Commission on the very night of counting (March 16), and subsequently sending reminders, the advocate has alleged that the ECI has failed to issue any speaking or reasoned order even after two weeks.
Describing the delay as “deeply concerning,” Kumar has urged the Commission to take immediate cognizance and enforce strict compliance with its own guidelines.
Matter Escalated to Law Ministry
In a significant development, copies of the memorandum have also been forwarded to Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal and Legislative Department Secretary Rajiv Mani.
This step comes ahead of the Gazette notification scheduled for April 10, 2026, pertaining to the election of the new Rajya Sabha members from Haryana.
Implications for Electoral Integrity
The issue, if substantiated, could have far-reaching implications for electoral transparency and institutional accountability, particularly in the context of parliamentary elections.
Legal experts suggest that the matter may warrant urgent clarification or intervention by the Election Commission to uphold the sanctity of the democratic process.
Awaiting Official Response
As of now, no official statement has been issued by the Election Commission of India regarding the allegations.
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