During the inaugural Dr Rajendra Prasad Memorial Lecture at Chanakya National Law University in Patna, Justice B V Nagarathna of the Supreme Court underscored the essential independence of the Election Commission of India (ECI) for ensuring fair elections. She argued that if electoral bodies rely on those they oversee, neutrality cannot be guaranteed. Justice Nagarathna's remarks come amid criticism of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and concerns regarding the electoral roll revision process in West Bengal. She emphasized that institutions like the ECI, Comptroller and Auditor General, and Finance Commission must operate free from electoral influence to maintain their integrity. The justice warned that fiscal dependence could lead to political dependence, threatening the balance of power necessary for constitutional governance. She articulated that the Constitution's effectiveness relies on the structural division of power among institutions, cautioning against the gradual erosion of these checks, which can occur without overt violations of rights. Justice Nagarathna advocated for dialogue and negotiation in Centre-state relations, reflecting on Dr Rajendra Prasad's principles of checks and balances in governance.