Media has abdicated its role; huge surge in money power in politics: 10 things Supreme Court said in its Election Commission verdict

In a significant judgment passed on Thursday, the Supreme Court called for a committee including the Chief Justice of India to appoint members of the Election Commission of India (ECI)..In its verdict, the Constitution Bench also went on to comment on independence of Election Commissioners, the rise of money power and criminalisation in politics, and more. .Watch the operative part of the Judgment.Here are ten things the Court said in its judgment..1. There is huge surge in the role of money power and criminalisation of politics. Certain sections of the media have forgotten their invaluable role and have turned unashamedly partisan..2. A law cannot be perpetuation of what is existing, of the executive having the absolute say in appointments...Political parties would have a reason to not seek a law, which is clear to see. A party in power will have an insatiable quest to remain in power through a servile Commission. .3. EC has to be independent, it cannot claim to be independent then act in an unfair manner. A person in state of obligation to the government cannot have an independent frame of mind. An independent person will not be servile to those in power..4. What is independence? Competence is not to be bound by fear. Qualities of competence have to be supplemented by independence. An honest person would ordinarily unflinchingly take on the high and mighty. A common person will look up to him to ensure that democracy is preserved..5. An EC that does not guarantee rule of law is against democracy. In its wide spectrum of powers, if exercised illegally or unconstitutionally, it has an effect on the outcome of political parties..6. Ends cannot justify wrong means. Democracy can succeed only as all stakeholders work on it to maintain the purity of the election process so as to reflect the will of people. With rise in media coverage and others, the propensity of misuse of election machinery lies..7. Any process that seeks to improve the election process before this Court must be considered. Once results are out, matter largely becomes a fait accompli. Lincoln declared democracy to be by, for and of the people. Government should run as per the laws..8. The powers of appointment are capable of being misused, this may be writ large across the country. The fate of political parties and their candidates rests in the hands of the ECI, vitally important decisions are taken by those who helm its affairs..9. Democracy can be achieved only when the governing parties attempt to uphold it in letter and spirit. We find that the ECI has been charged with the duty and powers to hold elections for states and Parliament. It is duty-bound to act in a free and fair manner..10. Hallmark of a substantial and liberal democracy must be borne in mind, democracy is inextricably linked to the power of the people. The power of the ballot is supreme, capable of unseating the most powerful parties..Watch the pronouncement of judgment below:.[Read judgment]