Congress has approached the Supreme Court regarding the appointment of new Election Commissioners. On Monday, Congress leader Jaya Thakur requested an immediate hearing, urging the court to prevent the central government from appointing new Election Commissioners. The petition aligns with the March 2023 orders of the Chief Justice, seeking the involvement of the Prime Minister, opposition leaders, and the Chief Justice in the appointment process. The Chief Justice directed the Center to email the details related to the case for prompt consideration.
The Supreme Court announced that it will contemplate an immediate hearing on the petition to restrain the central government from appointing new Election Commissioners as per the 2023 law. Notably, two positions are vacant following the resignations of Election Commissioners Arun Goyal and Anup Chandra Pandey.
The plea was filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur, represented by senior advocates Vikas Singh and Varun Thakur, who submitted the petition for an expeditious hearing. They challenged the provisions of the National Election Commission (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Tenure) Act, 2023. Thakur informed the court that during the pendency of the hearing on her plea, a member of the Election Commission, Arun Goyal, resigned on March 9, 2024, which has been approved by the President.
The Prime Minister’s chaired High-Powered Committee is scheduled to meet on March 15, 2024, to finalize the names for the new Election Commissioners.
