Former Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan passed away

November 11, 2019

Tirunellai Narayana Iyer Seshan, the man behind several electoral reforms passed away due to a cardiac arrest. He was 87 years old and was not well for the past couple of years. He was the 10^th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). He served between 1990 and 1996

About TN Seshan

TN Seshan was a 1955 batch retired IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre. He was born in Palakkad district of Kerala. Before becoming a CEC, he served around 18 cabinet secretaries. He has also won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his services in 1986. The award is considered as Asia’s Nobel Prize.

In 1997, he unsuccessfully contested the Presidential Elections against KR Narayanan.

Electoral Reforms by Seshan

Mr Seshan is credited for introducing Election Commission’s constitutional powers that keep the politicians under check
During his tenure the two additional Election Commissioners were appointed by the centre.
It was during his period as the CEC the following were made offensive
- Bribing voters
- Distributing alcohol during elections
- Approaching voters to appeal on caste or community basis
- Using official machinery for campaigning
- Using worship places for campaigning
- Use of loud speakers and high-volume music
The following laws were implemented during his period
- Implementation of strict Code of Conduct
- A limit was imposed on the election expenditure of the candidate
- Issuance of voter IDs