New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the demise of former Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan.

"Shri TN Seshan was an outstanding civil servant. He served India with utmost diligence and integrity. His efforts towards electoral reforms have made our democracy stronger and more participative. Pained by his demise. Om Shanti," tweeted PM Modi.

Seshan died in Chennai following a cardiac arrest on Sunday night.

"Sad to announce that Shri TN Seshan (former Chief Election Commissioner of India) passed away a short while ago. He was a true legend and a guiding force for all his successors. I pray for peace to his soul," tweeted SY Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner of India.

Union home minister Amit Shah also condoled the death of Seshan and said, "Saddened by the demise of former Chief Election Commissioner, Shri TN Seshan Ji. He played a transformative role in reforming and strengthening India's electoral institution. The nation will always remember him as a true torchbearer of democracy. My prayers are with his family."

The 87-year-old was the 10th CEC and had served from December 12, 1990, till December 11, 1996. He was a retired 1955 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Tamil Nadu cadre.