Jagdeep Singh Chhokar, the co-founder of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and former director of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, passed away at the age of 81 due to a heart attack on September 11, 2025. He was a pioneer in India’s electoral reforms, instrumental in landmark Supreme Court rulings that mandated political candidates to disclose their criminal, financial, and educational backgrounds.
He also played a key role in the Supreme Court’s striking down of the electoral bond scheme. Chhokar’s legacy is celebrated by politicians, activists, and academics for his relentless contribution to transparent and accountable democracy.
Pioneer of Electoral Transparency and Accountability
Jagdeep Chhokar began his professional journey as a mechanical engineer with Indian Railways before transitioning into academia, eventually serving as dean and director at IIM Ahmedabad. Inspired by his colleague Trilochan Sastry, Chhokar co-founded ADR in 1999 as a response to the lack of transparency in Indian elections.
Under his leadership, ADR achieved watershed victories, including the Delhi High Court’s 2000 order mandating candidates to file affidavits disclosing educational qualifications, criminal cases, and assets. The ADR’s continuous efforts led to Supreme Court rulings introducing the “None of the Above” (NOTA) option, disqualification rules for convicted lawmakers, and stringent electoral expenditure monitoring.
Championing Clean Politics Amidst Challenges
Chhokar was pivotal in challenging the 2018 electoral bond scheme introduced by the Narendra Modi government, a campaign that culminated in the Supreme Court declaring the scheme unconstitutional in 2024 due to its opacity and threat to democratic funding transparency.
Beyond electoral reforms, Chhokar remained actively engaged through his work with organisations like the Aajeevika Bureau, focusing on social justice issues such as internal migration. Renowned for his humility and intellectual rigor, he dedicated over two decades post-retirement to strengthening India’s democratic fabric.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Jagdeep Chhokar’s life is a testament to the profound impact of committed activism and informed citizenry in safeguarding democracy. His tireless pursuit of electoral transparency embodies The Logical Indian’s values of truth, accountability, and participatory governance.
At a time when democratic institutions face multiple pressures, his legacy serves as an inspiration for all citizens to take active roles in ensuring fairness and honesty in public life.
