Journalism of Courage
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Ashok Lavasa
The writer is a former election commissioner.
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More From Ashok Lavasa
As North Block becomes a museum, remembering years of encounters with unmoving monkeys — and filesSubscriber Only
September 06,2025 12:45:39 PM
Nobody could satisfactorily explain the presence of the monkeys in the building, nor of the countless files. The sun will soon set on these buildings as they move deeper into the recesses of history
Sat, Sep 06, 2025
Might is not right: In Bihar SIR, an old question about justice and powerSubscriber Only
August 20,2025 17:51:30 PM
Who will protect the voting right of a citizen born in India who has no document to establish citizenship because his birth was not registered, who didn’t go to school even if there's right to education, if he is landless?
Thu, Aug 21, 2025
Ashok Lavasa writes: On Bihar SIR, EC must press pauseSubscriber Only
July 11,2025 07:17:54 AM
A bureaucratic approach coupled with an unclear purpose can be a nightmare for citizens.
Fri, Jul 11, 2025
Election Commission needs to address questions – not dismiss themSubscriber Only
March 13,2025 07:03:34 AM
The EC should be seen as questioning its own systems and procedures and challenging them itself rather than merely responding to questions
Thu, Mar 13, 2025
Ashok Lavasa writes: 2024 gave us reasons to question and have faith in democracySubscriber Only
December 31,2024 07:10:59 AM
A wave of global anti-incumbency, public discontent, and divisive rhetoric. 2024, the year of the elections, witnessed everything.
Tue, Dec 31, 2024
UPSC controversy: For testing agencies, a crisis of credibility and moral fibreSubscriber Only
July 25,2024 10:59:50 AM
The line between favouring someone and appointing favourites is a bit slippery. Civil servants, defence officers, diplomats, academics distinguish themselves while in active service and their competence might be recognised by the establishment. But are they committed to building the institution they are appointed to serve?
Thu, Jul 25, 2024
When defeat feels like victory: Revelations from 2024 Lok Sabha electionsSubscriber Only
June 06,2024 18:58:51 PM
Among the things that the poll results revealed: Indian voter can’t be taken for granted, electoral system worked efficiently, pollsters behaved like short sellers
Thu, Jun 06, 2024
Ex-Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa writes: A message on the Model Code of Conduct for leaders – from Mahabharata and beyondSubscriber Only
May 23,2024 22:13:37 PM
Elections are necessary in a democracy. What is not necessary for the people and our leaders is to lose their moral ballast. That could cause damage that extends beyond the periodic exercise of political choice.
Fri, May 24, 2024
Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa writes: EC’s Model Code needs reform – and India needs model leadershipSubscriber Only
April 27,2024 16:17:48 PM
A significant gap in the present framework is that the Model Code of Conduct for elections has not clearly spelt out the consequences of defaults, thus diluting its deterrent effect
Tue, Apr 30, 2024
Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa writes: For level playing field, should EC rewrite rulebook?Subscriber Only
April 01,2024 19:51:23 PM
Election Commission should determine whether the series of unprecedented actions by the enforcement agencies violate any 'healthy democratic practice'.
Wed, Apr 03, 2024
Ashok Lavasa on electoral bonds disclosure: How to connect the dots and ask the right questionsSubscriber Only
March 18,2024 15:29:22 PM
Everyone knows ‘what’ should be done about electoral reforms but nobody knows ‘who’ will do it. The attitude of all parties on transparency has been dismal so far
Mon, Mar 18, 2024
Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa writes: With vacancies, Election Commission’s moment of reckoningSubscriber Only
March 11,2024 19:00:07 PM
The ECI’s responsibility is in no way dependent on government actions. Its compact is with the voters and its responsibility is to safeguard their rights. It is in this context that one should examine the government's intent in introducing certain provisions in the CEC Bill and later amending them.
Tue, Mar 12, 2024
Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa writes: With SC judgment on electoral bonds, truth will be outSubscriber Only
February 22,2024 14:28:43 PM
Let not outcome of impending elections cast a shadow on SC judgment. Let us hope Parliament will bring about a law showing full respect to it
Tue, Feb 27, 2024
COP28 challenge: Those who got us here do not paySubscriber Only
November 30,2023 07:07:54 AM
It is stalled on account of deficit resources, trust and commitment. But positive movement needs countries responsible for climate change to step up
Thu, Nov 30, 2023
Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa on electoral bonds: Democracy, paid for in darknessSubscriber Only
November 14,2023 05:10:00 AM
Why is it that in India, people prefer to contribute to the cause of democracy in secret? After all, democracy is as worthy a cause as climate change, environment protection or looking after the homeless and infirm and an honest citizen would be happy to be associated with such a cause.
Tue, Nov 14, 2023
Former Election Commissioner writes: One Nation, One Election – wrong problem, bad solutionSubscriber Only
September 28,2023 07:30:54 AM
Centralisation of politics in India has not let local democratic institutions flourish. One nation one election would risk reducing local elected bodies to mere representatives of central leadership
Thu, Sep 28, 2023
A society that creates hurdles to exhaust the honest, paves the path for its own perditionSubscriber Only
December 28,2019 00:10:29 AM
Ashok Lavasa writes: There is a price for honesty as for everything else in life. Being prepared to pay that price, directly or by way of collateral damage, is part of the honest act. The price depends on who bears the brunt of honest action.
Sat, Dec 28, 2019Journalism of Courage
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