Srinagar, Oct. 6 -- Supreme Court's notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Centre on the plea against unilateral decision-making by the Chief Election Commissioner is a reminder that institutions must operate within collective responsibility. The credibility of the Election Commission rests on the principle that decisions are taken either unanimously or by majority, not by individual authority. When two commissioners formally record objections to decisions issued without their knowledge, the matter cannot be dismissed as routine disagreement. It strikes at the core of how democratic institutions are expected to function.

The government must respond with clarity and urgency and should initiate measures that reinforce tra...