Jagdeep S Chhokar, ADR Co-Founder and Champion of Electoral Reforms, Dies at 80

Jagdeep S Chhokar, co-founder of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and a tireless crusader for transparency in Indian politics, died in Delhi on Friday, September 12, 2025, following a heart attack, ADR sources confirmed. He was 80.

Chhokar, a retired professor from the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad, co-founded ADR in 1999 with colleagues to enhance electoral integrity. Over two decades, ADR achieved landmark victories, including the 2002 Supreme Court ruling mandating candidates to disclose criminal records, assets, and educational qualifications, and the 2024 verdict abolishing the Electoral Bonds scheme, which Chhokar criticized for enabling opaque political funding.

Born on November 25, 1944, Chhokar began his career with Indian Railways before transitioning to academia. He earned an MBA from Delhi University and a PhD from Louisiana State University, joining IIM-Ahmedabad in 1985, where he taught organizational behavior and served as dean and director-in-charge until retiring in 2006.

Also Read: Congress Criticizes PM Modi’s Manipur Visit as Inadequate

Tributes flooded in from prominent figures. Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa wrote on X, “The loss of Prof Jagdeep Chhokar is tragic. He spearheaded ADR, which has rendered yeoman service in maintaining high standards of electoral democracy.” Former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi mourned, “A crusader for clean elections, he donated his body for medical research. May his soul rest in peace.”

RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha called his passing “the silencing of a conscience that spoke relentlessly for India’s democracy,” adding, “His departure leaves a void and a legacy—an unfinished task for all who care about democracy.” Activist Yogendra Yadav hailed him as a “selfless champion,” while lawyer Prashant Bhushan termed his death “a major setback to democracy.” Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose and activists Harsh Mander, Subhashini Ali, Teesta Setalvad, and Shabnam Hashmi also paid tribute, praising his unwavering commitment to democratic values.

Chhokar’s contributions, including advocating for the NOTA option and challenging political funding opacity, reshaped India’s electoral landscape. His body was donated for medical research, reflecting his lifelong dedication to public good.

Also Read: Kerala Opposition Calls for CM to Resign as Home Minister