The Supreme Court said Today (April 16), it will hear key petitions on May 14 questioning the CEC and EC appointments under the 2023 law. Petitioners argue the new law undermines democracy by excluding the Chief Justice from the selection panel.
Today, On 24th May, The Supreme Court criticized the Election Commission over delays and inaccuracies in its Voter Turnout App, comparing the situation to the idiom “Aa Bail Mujhe Maar,” suggesting inviting trouble unnecessarily. The court emphasized the need for transparency and caution in adopting high-stakes technological solutions in electoral processes.
The Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission to conduct elections in J and K by September 30, 2024. PM Modi has said his Government has made a “solemn promise” for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood and will stand by it, adding the Centre was working very hard to create the right conditions.
Today (3rd April) Punjab & Haryana HC
dismissed a petition challenging the Election Commission’s March 16 notification for the Karnal bypoll. The petitioner argued that the EC overlooked a section of the Representation of People’s Act. The bypoll is set for May 25, with the BJP nominating Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The court also mentioned a similar case in Maharashtra’s Akola West assembly constituency.
Adhir Chowdhury of Congress Today questioned the Election Commissioner selection process, expressing dissatisfaction over lack of transparency. He claimed not receiving the shortlisted candidates’ names in advance, hindering informed decision-making. Government sources contradict this, stating that Chowdhury was sent five extensive lists of potential candidates. The incident highlights complexities in high-level governmental appointments, emphasizing the need for transparency.
The President of SCBA, Adish Aggarwala, Today assured the Delhi High Court of a general body meeting within two months to discuss amending rules to reserve two Executive Committee positions for female lawyers. This comes after a plea was dismissed by Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain, urging SCBA to arrange the meeting for gender representation concerns.