Jagdeep S. Chhokar, a prominent advocate for electoral reforms and co-founder of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), passed away from a heart attack early Friday. He was 80 years old. Chhokar had previously donated his body to a hospital for medical research.
A retired professor from the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad, Chhokar established ADR in 1999 with the intention of promoting transparency within the political landscape. Over nearly three decades, ADR significantly influenced electoral practices in India, contributing to key Supreme Court decisions. Notably, a 2002 ruling mandated candidates in Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections to declare their criminal backgrounds, financial status, and educational qualifications.
In February 2024, the Supreme Court declared the government’s electoral bond scheme unconstitutional, following a case where ADR was among the petitioners. Furthermore, an April 2024 judgment arising from an ADR petition initiated a new verification system for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in elections, requested by the candidates finishing second.
Reactions to Chhokar’s death have highlighted his vital contributions. Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “The loss of Prof Jagdeep Chhokar is tragic. He spearheaded the Association of Democratic Reforms, which has rendered yeoman service in maintaining high standards of electoral democracy. People like him and ADR are vital for questioning authorities, a healthy sign for any democracy.”
Former Chief Election Commissioner S. Y. Quraishi shared condolences as well, commenting, “Extremely sad to know that Prof Jagdeep Chhokar, founder of ADR, passed away this morning. A crusader for clean elections and electoral reforms. He has donated his body for medical research. May his soul rest in peace.”
Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Kumar Jha remarked on the impact of Chhokar’s absence, stating, “The passing of Jagdeep Chhokar is not just the loss of a man; it is the silencing of a conscience that spoke relentlessly for the integrity of India’s democracy. As the founder of the Association for Democratic Reforms, he forced the nation to look into the mirror of its electoral practices and confront the cracks beneath the surface of its democratic edifice.”
Jha emphasized that while Chhokar’s departure creates a void, it also leaves a legacy-a challenge for all who value democracy. He urged, “We must also renew our pledge to the cause he lived for: that elections in India be not just contests of power, but rituals of trust.”
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/elections-electoral-reforms-adr-founder-jagdeep-chhokar-passes-away-80-10245283/
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Publish Date: 2025-09-12 11:47:00
