Supreme Court to hear pleas challenging the law that excludes the Chief Justice of India from the panel appointing Election Commissioners on November 11, examining the constitutional validity and impact of this significant change in the appointment process.
Today, On 19th February, The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, heard petitions challenging the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan argued that removing the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection panel could compromise the Election Commission’s independence. The government defended the move, stating that the new process aligns with constitutional provisions. The court adjourned the hearing, extending uncertainty over the Act’s fate.
The government has announced that Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will take over as the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) after Rajiv Kumar. Gyanesh Kumar is currently the senior-most election commissioner after Rajiv Kumar. His appointment was confirmed late this evening. Gyanesh Kumar will oversee key elections, including assembly polls in five states: West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu (all ruled by the Opposition), and Bihar and Assam (both NDA-ruled). The Bihar election is set for later this year, while the others are scheduled for 2026.
NEW DELHI: Today, 12th Feb, The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a series of petitions on February 19, challenging the validity of the new rules for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs). This hearing will take place just a day after the retirement of the current CEC, Rajiv Kumar, on February 18.
The Union Law Ministry denied rushing the appointment of two election commissioners to preempt Supreme Court decisions on the 2023 law. The Central Government defended the appointments, stating the absence of a judicial member did not affect the Election Commission’s autonomy. The Supreme Court declined to stay the appointments despite objections.