GOVT DEFENDS MOVE TO DROP CJI FROM PANEL TO PICK ECS POST.

Why in the news?

Exclusion of Chief Justice of India from panel selecting Election Commissioners sparks controversy over EC appointment process.

About the Government’s Defense:

  • Government defends decision to exclude Chief Justice of India (CJI) from panel selecting Election Commissioners (ECs).
  • Argues that EC’s independence doesn’t stem from judicial member presence.
  • Rejects NGO’s claim of preponing selection committee meeting to preempt Supreme Court’s order.
source:edurev
About  Election Commission of India:

●   Established in 1950 to oversee free and fair elections in India.

●   Comprises a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners.

●   The President determines the number of additional Election Commission members.

About the Constitutional Provisions related to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs):

●   Article 324 of the Constitution granted the Election Commission authority over elections, comprising the CEC and other ECs chosen by the President.

●   The appointment process was subject to change as per the government’s discretion, without a fixed legislative framework.