42 retired judges defend Election Commission against criticism

A group of 42 retired judges has defended the Election Commission, stating that criticism directed at it serves 'vested political interests'. In a letter, they said a party that governed the nation for over five decades now claims the electoral system that elected it is rigged. The judges urged political parties to present legitimate grievances formally rather than delegitimizing the electoral process. They criticized outfits with a history of selective litigation. Former BJP national president Murli Manohar Joshi said constitutional principles should be upheld.