Written By: Shianjany Pradhan
The constitution bench in March ruled that the chief election commissioner and the election commissioners must be appointed by a committee that shall be headed by the Prime Minister, the leader of the opposition, and the chief justice of India.
This was done to ensure the independence of the election commissioners as there was no parliamentary procedure, appointing them in pursuance of Article 324(2) has been put into place.
In furtherance to the same, a bill has been drafted, titled, Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023
As per the bill, the chief election commissioner and the election commissioners will be appointed by a selection committee, having
- The prime minister as the chairperson.
- The leader of the opposition in the House of the People.
- The union cabinet minister will be nominated by the Prime Minister.
Union Law Minister, Arjun Ram Meghwal tabled the bill but it could not be passed in the monsoon session ending on 11th August 2023.
The special session of the parliament will consider this bill that has been introduced by the central government that is of the appointment process for the chief election commissioner and the election commissioners.
