SC questions parliamentary debate on Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners appointment law
The Supreme Court questioned whether a "proper debate" was held in Parliament before enacting the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. This law replaced a selection committee that included the Chief Justice of India with one comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition. The court's query arose during a hearing on petitions challenging the new law, which critics argue undermines the independence of the Election Commission by giving the executive greater control over appointments. The court emphasized the importance of parliamentary deliberation for laws impacting constitutional bodies.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court questioned the adequacy of parliamentary debate on the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) appointment law.
- The 2023 Act replaced a selection committee that included the Chief Justice of India with one dominated by the executive.
- Petitions challenge the new law, arguing it compromises the Election Commission's independence.
- The court highlighted the significance of thorough parliamentary deliberation for laws affecting constitutional bodies.
- The new selection committee comprises the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition.
Exam Facts
- The law in question is the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
- The previous selection committee included the Chief Justice of India.
- The new committee includes the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition.
- The court's observation was made by a Bench led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
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