Congress Objects To Chief Election Commissioner Selection Meeting, Urges To Wait Till Supreme Court Hearing

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday came out all guns blazing and accused the Modi government of breaching a Supreme Court directive by including the Home Minister in the panel to select the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) instead of the Chief Justice of India. The party urged the government to delay the CEC selection process, as the Supreme Court is set to hear a plea challenging this change in law.

In March 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that a committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, and Chief Justice should advise on appointing the CEC. However, this was to remain until new legislation was enacted. The government later introduced a law replacing the Chief Justice with the Home Minister in this panel.

Congress's Stand on Selection Panel

Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi stated at a press conference that their position is clear: "The meeting held today regarding the election of CEC should be postponed, the Modi government should file a petition in the Supreme Court that the hearing related to the CEC election should be held soon. Congress will fully support the government in this."

Singhvi argued that excluding or attempting to exclude the Chief Justice from this process undermines credibility. He suggested that it shows a preference for control over maintaining institutional independence. "Removing or trying to keep the Chief Justice out of the appointment (of CEC) process as an independent entity, the government has made it clear, they want only control but not credibility. The most important thing for the Election Commission is credibility," he said.

Government's Response and Next Steps
The selection panel met on Monday, consisting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. They reportedly finalised a name for recommendation to President Droupadi Murmu. Sources indicated that an official announcement could be made shortly.

Ajay Maken, another senior Congress leader, echoed Singhvi's sentiments by stating that "today's meeting should have been postponed." Despite these objections, Rahul Gandhi attended Monday's meeting led by Prime Minister Modi.

Upcoming Changes and Legal Challenges
The new law concerning CEC appointments has been challenged in court. A hearing is scheduled for February 19. Meanwhile, incumbent Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar will retire upon reaching 65 years on Tuesday.