42 ex-judges back EC in open letter, hit out at 'vote theft' claims amid Opp'n protest. In an open letter, 42 ex-judges and veterans of constitutional office backed Election Commission and questioned basis of allegations of "vote theft". "Allegations of vote theft are made at press conferences, not before courts. Criticism of institutions is a democratic right. Denigration isn't," the letter stated. This comes amid Opposition's protest demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.