The Bill addresses crucial aspects such as the appointment, salary, and removal procedures for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs). According to the newly endorsed provisions, the President will appoint the CEC and ECs based on recommendations from a selection committee. The committee will consist of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition or the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha.
During the Bill's discussion, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said that the legislation aligns with the directives of the Supreme Court concerning the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. Meghwal further outlined the process, explaining that a search committee led by the law secretary will propose a panel of names to the selection committee.
Underscoring the significance of the roles, Meghwal conveyed that the salary of the CEC and ECs will be equivalent to that of Judges of the Supreme Court. He also highlighted a provision, stating that any order issued by the CEC or ECs will not be subject to challenge in any court of law.
By Manish Poswal
