The Supreme Court has clearly told the Centre that no written exam or viva voce will be needed to appoint or reappoint presidents and judicial members of consumer commissions. It also directed ensuring a fixed five-year tenure.
The Delhi High Court has directed the Selection Committee to re-evaluate Yogesh Kathuniya’s application for the Khel Ratna award. The court emphasized the need for fresh scrutiny to ensure a fair decision. Kathuniya, a distinguished Paralympian, seeks recognition under the prestigious scheme. The committee has been asked to act in accordance with the award’s guidelines.
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.
The Allahabad High Court intervened to address the backlog of vacancies in district consumer commissions, caused by an ongoing Supreme Court case. The High Court allowed retiring members to remain in their positions until the legal challenge is resolved, aiming to prevent further accumulation of vacancies. This decision followed a public interest litigation (PIL) raising concerns about unfilled vacancies. The Court acknowledged the uncertainty of the Supreme Court’s decision and directed retiring members to continue temporarily, pending further orders. The next hearing is scheduled for July 12.
Today (12th March): The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) filed a petition challenging Section 7 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, seeking an urgent hearing in the Supreme Court. The case is connected to a recent resignation and the appointment process of Election Commissioners, which is subject to ongoing legal and constitutional debates.