Weeks before the elections, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in which it once again declined to grant a stay of the legislation naming election commissioners, citing the need to avoid “creating chaos” at this late date.
In addition to its observations, the court pointed out that no charges have been brought against Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, the recently appointed election commissioners who were chosen following modifications to the selection panel made possible by the new law.

Judges Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta’s bench remarked, “You can’t say the Election Commission is under the thumb of the Executive.”

The bench further stated, “There are no allegations against the persons who have been appointed…,” in order to emphasize to the petitioners that it cannot be assumed that the law passed by the Center is incorrect. Elections will soon take place. The right balance of convenience is crucial.”