Time not to come to the aid of the party

He was the first Chief Election Commissioner who pulled out the rule-book and started implementing the model code of conduct. He took the Centre to court to bring senior officials engaged in poll duties under the EC’s discipline — including transfers and suspension.

M S Gill

Dec 12, 1996-June 13, 2001

‘Criminal elements in poll fray’

A Supreme Court ruling during his tenure allowed the EC to put the code of conduct into effect from the date of the announcement of polls. Gill’s ‘‘Brahmashtra’’ even empowered the EC to cancel an election, in case of violation of the code. ‘‘The Commission has made repeated recommendations in all party meetings and in letters to successive PMs to amend the People’s Representation Act.’’

J M Lyngdoh

June 14, 2001-Feb 7, 2004

‘Politicians are like cancer’

Besides J&K polls, his tenure was marked by a SC ruling on Gujarat, giving the EC the final authority to decide poll dates. ‘‘What are you? Are you jokers’’ (to bureaucrats after visiting
Gujarat riot victims just before Assembly polls).

T S Krishnamurthy

Feb 8, 2004

‘Don’t use tax-payers’ money’

With general elections round the corner, he cracked down on poll expenditure on his very first day in office. ‘‘Even now (before the poll dates are announced) the spirit of the code of conduct should be observed by political parties, particularly those in power. I want to send a clear message to the parties (on this).’’