The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Central Government and the Election Commission of India on a plea challenging lifetime immunity for Election Commissioners, raising concerns over constitutional validity, accountability, and its potential impact on free and fair elections.
Rahul Gandhi questioned why the Chief Justice of India (CJI) was removed from the panel that appoints Election Commissioners. He asked why this change was made and how it might affect fair elections. Gandhi stressed that judicial supervision is important for such key decisions. His statement comes as people discuss election reforms and the independence of institutions.
NEW DELHI: Rajiv Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner, is set to retire in February, and this has once again drawn attention to an important issue before the Supreme Court. On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the court discussed the need to speed up a decision on the legality of a new law that impacts the appointment of Election Commissioners. This law gives significant control to the Central government.
Supreme Court Judge Justice Narasimha emphasized the need to keep India’s constitutional institutions free from political influence. Speaking at the Justice ES Venkataramiah Centennial Memorial Lecture at NLSIU, Bengaluru, he highlighted the importance of protecting the integrity of these institutions. He explained that staying neutral is crucial for these bodies to uphold the Constitution and serve the public fairly.
Today, On 3rd December, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna recused himself from hearing petitions challenging the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Act 2023, which removes the CJI from the appointment committee. The case will be heard by another bench starting January 6, 2025, as petitioners argue the law undermines the Election Commission’s independence established by a Supreme Court ruling.
The bench led by Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta told the petitioners who have challenged the new law.”At this stage, we cannot stop the legislation or suspend its operation. It would lead to chaos and uncertainty, and we cannot do it (stay) by way of an interim order. There are no allegations against the […]
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.
Today (11th March): The Supreme Court reviewed a plea to restrain the Center from appointing new election commissioners under a contested 2023 law. A committee including the Chief Justice of India, the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition is to select all election commissioners, challenging the President’s current authority. The plea follows the resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel.
Today: A petition filed in the Supreme Court seeks to restrain the Central government from appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. The plea challenges the government’s authority and refers to a previous judgment advocating for a different appointment system. The Supreme Court had ruled in March 2023 that a high-level committee should appoint these officials. With the impending appointment, this plea raises important concerns.