New Delhi, In a recent development, the Union government has introduced key amendments to the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. The bill, passed in the Rajya Sabha, has stirred controversy as the Opposition accuses the government of deviating from the Supreme Court’s directive to establish a high-profile selection panel.
The bill faced strong opposition during its passage in the Upper House, leading to a walkout by opposing parties. The Supreme Court had previously advocated for a collegium-like system involving the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, and the Opposition leader in the appointment of key election officials.
Despite criticism, the Union Cabinet gave approval to the bill, replacing the Chief Justice of India with a Union Minister in the selection panel. Moreover, the job conditions of an Election Commissioner were aligned with those of a Supreme Court judge.
Amidst the uproar, the government has now made significant amendments. The status of Election Commissioners will now be equivalent to Supreme Court judges, addressing a major demand from the Opposition and former Election Commissioners. However, the contentious issue of a Union Minister’s inclusion in the selection panel, instead of the Chief Justice of India, remains unchanged.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal emphasized, “The CEC and other commissioners shall be paid a salary which is equal to the salary of a judge of the Supreme Court.” Additionally, an amendment shields sitting Election Commissioners from civil or criminal proceedings. The search committee, tasked with providing names to the selection panel, will now be headed by the Union Law Minister, replacing the earlier role of the Cabinet Secretary.
These amendments aim to strike a balance amidst the ongoing debate over the bill, signaling potential shifts in the dynamics of the appointment process for key election officials.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.
