Guwahati, Oct. 8 -- Forty-two former judges and retired constitutional officeholders have defended the Election Commission of India (ECI) amid growing criticism of the poll panel, warning that repeated attacks on constitutional institutions could erode public trust in the country's democratic system.

In an open letter, the signatories said they had no political brief and were speaking out because "silence is no longer a neutral choice". They alleged that constitutional bodies were facing politically driven attacks and said the ECI had become a particular focus of such criticism.

"Our concern is grave. India's constitutional bodies are under sustained attack. The Election Commission of India stands at the centre of this assault," the let...