CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: CNN Central News and Network – ITDC India ePress | ITDC News, Bhopal: New Delhi. A case of differences over administrative decisions within the Election Commission of India has come to light. According to documents obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, wrote separate letters on July 29, 2026, to Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan, raising questions over the functioning of senior Deputy Election Commissioner Manish Garg. Both alleged that the officer concerned issued an order changing the work allocation without prior discussion with the Commission and senior officials.
What was the complaint? According to the documents, both Commissioners said officials had already been given oral and written instructions that no change should be made in work allocation without discussion with, or approval from, the Commission. Vivek Joshi also alleged that the relevant file sought from the administrative division was not made available to him. The Commissioners described these steps as contrary to established procedure and provisions of the relevant law.
Why did the Cabinet Secretariat not act? According to file notings revealed through RTI, the Cabinet Secretariat said the complaints had been sent by the two Commissioners in their personal capacity, and not officially on behalf of the entire Election Commission. In such a situation, direct action could be seen as executive interference in the functioning of a constitutional body. While acknowledging receipt of the complaints, the Secretariat sent copies to the office of the Chief Election Commissioner and the administrative officials concerned. It also said the matter would be kept on record for consideration while taking any future decision about the officer concerned.
Discussion on the Election Commission’s autonomy The matter brings into focus questions linked to the independence of constitutional institutions and the process of administrative decision-making within them. The Election Commission had said on September 26 that the disputed work-allocation orders were not implemented after instructions from the two Commissioners. The available documents record the complaints and the Secretariat’s response; they do not, by themselves, prove the allegations against the officer.
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