New Delhi: Jagdeep S. Chhokar, co-founder of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), who was known for his pursuit of electoral reforms and transparency in democratic processes, passed away on Friday (September 12) at the age of 81.

In a statement, ADR said Chhokar had left behind an enduring legacy of integrity and courage. 

“Prof Jagdeep Chhokar’s vision reshaped the way India thinks about elections and accountability. His absence leaves a void, but his example will continue to inspire all who strive for a stronger and more vibrant democracy,” said ADR.

In 1999, Chhokar, one of the founding members of the ADR along with his IIM colleague Trilochan Sastry, sought transparency in disclosure of information of candidates in elections, and filed a petition in the Delhi high court urging that a requirement be imposed on contesting candidates in elections to the parliament and state assemblies to disclose criminal cases pending against them while filing their nomination papers. 

The court in 2000, delivered its verdict requiring MPs and MLAs to disclose criminal cases pending against them, which was later upheld by the Supreme Court in 2002. The Union government, to circumvent the order, amended the Representation of the People Act, 1950, making candidates not liable to disclose any information relating to their criminal antecedents. 

However this was struck down by the top court in 2003.

Speaking to Mid-Day in April 2024, Chhokar had said that the government’s move to stonewall the reform “turned me into a diehard activist.”

Since then, the ADR has pursued electoral reform and transparency through several cases in the Supreme Court. Most notably, just months before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, struck down the electoral bonds scheme, declaring it unconstitutional and saying that anonymous electoral bonds are violative of the right to information and Article 19(1)(a). The ADR was one of the petitioners in the case.

ADR is also the lead petitioner in the Supreme Court in the challenge to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar. Chhokar was one of the first to raise concerns around mass disenfranchisement, exclusion and whether the Election Commission itself is being used to usher in the National Register for Citizens (NRC). 

Speaking to The Wire, Sastry said that Chhokar was passionate about the cause of electoral reforms and transparency.

“He became very passionate about this. He used to read every petition that we sent closely as well as judgements as he was a lawyer as well. He was a thorough scholar, a brilliant man. We discussed the petitions to be filed, constitutional points to be raised,” he said.

His contributions to electoral reforms and transparency has left behind a legacy of the need to deepen democracy by seeking accountability. 

Former chief election commissioner S.Y. Quraishi offered his tributes and referred to Chhokar as a “crusader for clean elections and electoral reforms.”

Former election commissioner Ashok Lavasa said that Chhokar, in spearheading the ADR, “rendered yeoman service in maintaining high standards of electoral democracy.”

“People like him & ADR are vital for questioning authorities, a healthy sign for any democracy.”

RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said Chhokar’s passing “is the silencing of a conscience that spoke relentlessly for the integrity of India’s democracy.”

“His departure leaves behind a void, but also a legacy – an unfinished task that belongs now to all who care about democracy. 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.”

Yogendra Yadav, activist and psephologist, who is also one of the petitioners in the SIR case in the Supreme Court, said that Chhokar was “truly selfless champion of democracy and public causes.”

“Humble and self effacing to the core, he and the ADR were behind some of the major electoral reforms in the last two decades, including disclosure of property and criminal antecedents of candidates,” he said.

Chhokar also served as a Professor (teacher, trainer, researcher and advisor) in the Organizational Behaviour Area at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A), from 1985 till November 2006. He also served as Dean (2001-02) and Director In-charge (July-Sep 2002) at IIM-A. 

Prior to joining IIM-A, Chhokar worked with the Indian Railways and also taught in several countries including Australia, France, Japan and the US.

Chhokar’s body has been donated to Lady Hardinge Medical College for medical research.

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