Navin Chawla, former CEC who enabled 3rd gender vote, dies
What's the story
Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Navin Chawla, died on Saturday at a private hospital in Delhi. He was 79 years old.
A 1969-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the AGMUT cadre, Chawla was an election commissioner from 2005 to 2009 before serving as the 16th CEC from April 2009 to July 2010.
Electoral reforms
Chawla's contributions to India's electoral process
During his tenure, Chawla oversaw the successful conduct of the 2009 Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls in seven states.
He was instrumental in implementing significant electoral reforms, including allowing third-gender voters to register under a new category labeled "Other."
The Election Commission of India (ECI) praised his leadership and commitment to the electoral process, stating that "His leadership and commitment...will continue to inspire us at the Election Commission of India."
Constitutional reforms
Chawla's advocacy for constitutional reforms
Chawla also pushed for constitutional reforms in the removal process of election commissioners.
He wanted parity with the CEC's removal process, which requires impeachment like that of a constitutional court judge.
His predecessor, N Gopalaswami, had recommended Chawla's removal in early 2009 on allegations of partisanship by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The BJP had filed a petition with then-President APJ Abdul Kalam and approached the Supreme Court.
Personal life
Chawla's association with Mother Teresa and academic background
Apart from his administrative career, Chawla was also known for his association with Mother Teresa. He wrote her biography Mother Teresa, published first in 1992 in the UK.
He also co-wrote Faith and Compassion: The Life and Work of Mother Teresa, with photographs by Raghu Rai.
Chawla graduated from St Stephen's College at Delhi University and studied at the School of Oriental and African Studies, at London University.