Former chief election commissioner TN Seshan, known for implementing electoral reforms, passes away
Former chief election commissioner TN Seshan died at his Chennai residence earlier today at 9: 30 pm. He was 87.
FollowBengaluru: It’s the end of an era as former chief election commissioner (CEC) of India, TN Seshan breathed his last at his residence in Chennai at 9: 30 pm. He was 87.
He was the 10th CEC and served from December 12, 1990 to December 11, 1996.
Seshan was known for his adherence to rules and has to his credit enforcing the model code of conduct (MCC). He was severe against those who had a tendency to flout the MCC.
It is interesting to note that a sitting governor, who had campaigned for his son during a poll in Madhya Pradesh, had to resign ultimately for his non—adherence to the rules. Polling too was suspended in the state in this regard.
TN Seshan was a retired 1955 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Tamil Nadu cadre. Seshan had earlier served as the 18th cabinet secretary of India in 1989. He had also won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his services to the government in 1996.
Born in December 1932 in Thirunellai, Palakkad district in Kerala, TN Seshan was a graduate in Physics and worked for three years as a demonstrator at the Madras Christian College. This is when he passed the IAS exam.
He also studied at Harvard University on Edward S Mason Fellowship where he earned a master's degree in public administration.
Former CEC SY Quraishi took to Twitter to condole his death. “Sad to announce that Shri TN Seshan passed away a short while ago. He was a true legend and a guiding force for all his successors. I pray for peace to his soul,” he said.
