New Delhi: The Lok Sabha approved the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, paving the way for a new mechanism in the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs). The Bill was earlier passed by the Rajya Sabha and will now be sent to the President for her assent before becoming law.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal presented the Bill in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing that the 1991 Act addressing the service conditions of top poll officers was incomplete, and the present Bill aims to fill those gaps. The bill was subsequently passed with a voice vote.
However, the legislation faced criticism from the Opposition, who expressed concerns that it might undermine the independence of the poll panel. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that the appointment of election commissioners should be based on the advice of a panel consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India. This significant ruling aimed to shield the top election body from political influence. The court clarified that this judgment would remain in effect until the government enacted a law.
The new legislation replaces the Chief Justice with a Union Minister, a move that has raised objections from the Opposition. They contend that this grants the government more authority over the appointment of top poll officers, potentially compromising the autonomy of the poll body.
As the Bill awaits the President’s assent, the debate over the potential impact of the new appointment mechanism on the independence of the election commission is expected to continue. The upcoming implementation of this legislation will be closely monitored to assess its effects on India’s electoral landscape.
Comments are closed.