New Delhi, February 4, 2025: The Supreme Court will hear public interest litigations (PILs) on February 12 challenging the new law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs). The law replaces the Chief Justice of India (CJI) with a Cabinet minister in the three-member selection panel.
Key Developments
- CEC Rajiv Kumar is set to retire on February 18.
- Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), urged for an urgent hearing, citing concerns over democratic fairness.
- The Bench, led by Justice Surya Kant, assured it would decide the matter on merits.
Legal Argument
- Bhushan referred to the 2023 Constitution Bench verdict, which stated that the CEC and ECs should be appointed by an independent committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and the CJI, rather than solely by the government.
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed an interim order, pointing out that another SC Bench had already declined to pass such an order.
With election integrity at stake, the Supreme Court’s decision on February 12 will be closely watched for its impact on democratic processes in India.