The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): In a statement made on Monday, the Supreme Court has shown openness to promptly examine a petition aimed at halting the central government’s ability to nominate new election commissioners in accordance with a 2023 statute that is presently under judicial scrutiny. This statute, which outlines the appointment process, service conditions, and tenure for the Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners, has ignited legal disputes.
The call for an expedited review stems from the creation of two vacancies within the Election Commission, triggered by the departure of Commissioner Arun Goel and the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey. Advocates Vikas Singh and Varun Thakur, representing Congress member Jaya Thakur, initiated the plea for an urgent hearing. Thakur contests the 2023 act’s legality, asserting it infringes on the impartial and democratic appointment of election commissioners.
Highlighting the immediacy of the situation, Thakur’s legal motion points out the recent resignation of Commissioner Goel on March 9, 2024, a resignation that the President has officially accepted. This occurs as a prime minister-led selection committee is slated to gather on March 15 to deliberate on candidates for the vacant commissioner roles. This meeting is notably close to the anticipated announcement of the Lok Sabha election timetable by the Election Commission.
With Goel’s resignation, the Commission finds itself in a unique position, leaving Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as the singular active member. This event underscores the current debate and judicial challenges concerning the appointment processes for election commissioners in India, reflecting the complex interplay between governmental power and judicial review in upholding democratic principles.
