Congress urges Centre to delay Chief Election Commissioner's selection
What's the story
The Congress has urged the Centre to defer the selection of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), stating that the law for appointment to the post is being challenged.
On Monday, following a meeting for the selection of a new CEC, the party submitted a dissent note, urging the Centre to defer this selection process in light of an upcoming Supreme Court hearing.
This plea challenges the law that replaces the Chief Justice with a cabinet minister in this selection panel.
Demand
'Modi government should leave aside ego and accept this demand'
Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said at a press conference, "The stand of Congress regarding the selection of the CEC is very clear: The meeting held today regarding the election of CEC should be postponed, the Modi government should file a petition in the Supreme Court that the hearing related to the CEC election should be held soon."
"Congress will fully support the government in this," he added.
Credibility concern
Government's move undermines Election Commission's credibility: Singhvi
Singhvi argued that the government's move undermines the credibility of the Election Commission.
He suggested the government is more interested in control than maintaining the institution's independence.
"Removing or trying to keep the Chief Justice out of the appointment (of CEC) process as an independent entity, the government has made it clear, they want only control but not credibility," he said.
Selection process
Selection panel met to choose new CEC despite controversy
The selection panel—consisting of PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi—convened on Monday to select a new CEC.
Traditionally, the President appoints the CEC on the advice of the Prime Minister.
However, this time, the new CEC is likely to be chosen under a new statute, the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act of 2023.
Legal dispute
2023 law replacing Chief Justice with Home Minister challenged
In March 2023, the Supreme Court had ruled that the CEC should be appointed by a committee of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice.
This provision was to remain until a new law was introduced.
Later that year, the government passed a law replacing the Chief Justice with the Home Minister in this selection panel—a move now being challenged in court.
The incumbent CEC, Rajiv Kumar, will retire on Tuesday.