Election Commission of India legal adviser S K Mendiratta is referred to as a "Walking Encyclopedia" on electoral reforms. It, therefore, came as no surprise when a special recognition was announced for him for his services over the last 53 years. When the President gave away the award to Mendiratta, a senior EC functionary observed that there hasn't been any CEC or EC in the last 50 years who hasn't been guided by the now-retired officer. Mendiratta continues to be associated with EC.