Outgoing Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi hoped that paid news will be made a cognizable offence. Mr Quraishi also hoped that some major electoral reforms pending for almost two decades will now become a reality soon. In a wide-ranging interview with PTI, Mr Quraishi also rejected suggestions of giving statutory status to the Model Code of Conduct, arguing that upsetting the current system will have unwelcome repercussions.

On suggestions for having a collegium for appointment of the CEC, Quraishi suggested a different formulation. He said that a mechanism of credible consultations be set up for appointment of Election Commissioners instead, and not the CEC.

Mr Quraishi added that the ECs' appointment be made through wider selection and the senior-most among them be made the chief as a rule. Mr Quiraishi demits office on June 10.