Law minister slams 'elements' trying to 'discredit' EC

Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said "elements" trying to discredit the Election Commission (EC) were actually trying to discredit the democratic process of the country. The minister also said the courts have a right to make observations on the Commission but the judges will also have to think about the language being used. People who want to challenge democracy have found a way of doing so by challenging the poll panel, Rijiju said at a 12th National Voters Day event organised by the EC in New Delhi.The minister said the way EC has handled challenges from time to time, there is little scope to criticise it."If the courts says on EC, it can. Courts have a right. But the judges will have to think about what language they are using. Under what circumstances EC is working has to be understood," he said.

Rijiju said behind the EC's success is the contribution of political parties and the citizens. He noted that while the poll panel has faced criticism, it has also received appreciation from people.Referring to the recent passage of a bill on electoral reforms, the minister said due to "ruckus" in the House he felt "handicapped" as he could not explain in detail the reforms being ushered in. He said people should know the reforms were a result of the efforts put in by the EC and Legislative Department in the Law Ministry and informed that more electoral reforms could be coming in the future.The minister said while the government does not believe in interfering with the functioning of independent organs, there is a need to have constant coordination to push things.  Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra and Election Commissioners Rajiv Kumar and Anup Chandra Pandey were present at the function.