His passing is a loss not just for the legal and activist communities but for the very fabric of Indian democracy he worked so tirelessly to mend.

agdeep Chhokar, who founded the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), died of a heart attack in the early hours of Friday in the national capital. He was 81.

His dedication to pursue clean politics earned him the moniker of a ‘crusader’ for his cause. His passing is a loss not just for the legal and activist communities but for the very fabric of Indian democracy he worked so tirelessly to mend.

A mechanical engineer by training, he had a successful career with the Indian Railways before joining the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A), one of India’s most prestigious institutions. It was in the hallowed halls of IIM-A that the seeds of ADR were sown, after a group of professors, including Chhokar, scrutinized the nomination papers of election candidates and were appalled by lack of transparency.

In a statement posted on X, ADR said Chhokar passed away at 4 am Friday. He donated his body to Lady Hardinge Medical College.

“A respected academic, civic activist, lawyer, engineer and conservationist, Prof Chhokar’s life was distinguished by his commitment to strengthening democratic governance and promoting transparency in Indian public life. To those who knew him, he was more than an advocate for clean politics, he was a generous mentor, an incisive thinker, and a warm friend,” ADR said.

“Prof Jagdeep Chhokar’s vision reshaped the way India thinks about elections and accountability. His absence leaves a void, but his example will continue to inspire all who strive for a stronger and more vibrant democracy,” the statement added.

Over the past nearly three decades, ADR’s efforts have led to several notable Supreme Court judgments having an impact on elections, including the 2002 judgment that made it mandatory for Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections candidates to declare their pending criminal cases, finances, and educational background. ADR regularly publishes reports analysing these disclosures.

In February 2024, the Supreme Court held the government’s electoral bond scheme unconstitutional in a case in which ADR was one of the petitioners. In April 2024, another judgment on an ADR petition led to the introduction of a new system for checking and verifying Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in an election, at the request of the runners-up.

“The loss of Prof Jagdeep Chhokar is tragic. He spearheaded the Association of Democratic Reforms, which has rendered yeoman service in maintaining high standards of electoral democracy. People like him & ADR are vital for questioning authorities, a healthy sign for any democracy,” former election commissioner Ashok Lavasa said in a social media post.

Former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi said, “Extremely sad to know that Prof Jagdeep Chhokar, founder of ADR passed away this morning. A crusader for clean elections and electoral reforms. He has donated his body for medical research. May his soul rest in peace.”