"T.N. Seshan was a legend. He will always be a source of inspiration to us and all CECs and ECs to come," CEC Sunil Arora said.
The Election Commission of India also expressed its "deep mourning" over the passing away of Seshan.
Meanwhile, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) association termed Seshan's death "a sad event".
"We have lost two of our best senior members - T.N. Seshan (1955) and P.S. Krishnan (1956). True role models - they set standards of public service we all aspire for. Loss for nation & society. Deepest Condolences to family members," IAS Association tweeted.
"The man who reformed our Electoral System as we know today is no more. Shri T.N. Seshan (1955 TN) - served the nation in various capacities and is a true role model for all of us. His demise is a great loss for the nation & society. Condolences."
Seshan, who was known for ushering in reforms to ensure free and fair polls, passed away at his residence in Chennai on Sunday following cardiac arrest, family sources said. He was 87.
An IAS officer who rose to become Cabinet Secretary, Seshan became the 10th Chief Election Commissioner of India after retirement, serving from December 12, 1990 to December 11, 1996.
( With inputs from IANS )