Who Was Former Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan?

Former chief election commissioner TN Seshan, who led the game-changing electoral reforms in the country in the 1990s, passed away at his residence here on Sunday following cardiac arrest. Seshan was 86-year-old

Seshan was not keeping good health for the past couple of years and he passed away at about 9.30 pm, a senior police official told PTI. Known for his no-nonsense attitude, he was largely confined to his home here for the past several years due to old age.

Former CEC SY Quraishi said on Twitter, "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.”

"Saddened to know about the demise of T.N. Seshan, a stalwart for free and fair elections. His legendary contribution to democracy will be always remembered. My condolences to his family and many admirers," said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Home Minister Amit Shah said Seshan played a transformative role in reinforcing and strengthening India's electoral institution.

"Saddened by the demise of former Chief Election Commissioner, Shri T N Seshan ji. He played a transformative role in reforming and strengthening India's electoral institution. The nation will always remember him as a true torchbearer of democracy. My prayers are with his family," Shah tweeted.

Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa said the passing away of Seshan "marks the end of an era".

"He upheld the dignity of his office & earned respect by his fierce independence & effective functioning. A goalpost for his successors, he continues to be a benchmark for the constitutional framework of a thriving democracy."

Who was TN Seshan?

• He was born in Thirunellai, Palakkad district, Kerala.
• Seshan was a 1955 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Tamil Nadu cadre.
• He became the 10th Chief Election Commissioner of India (1990–96), who reformed elections in the country.
• Seshan won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for government service in 1996.
• He served as the 18th Cabinet Secretary of India in 1989.
• He was conferred the Magsaysay Prize for Public Service in 1996.