Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (December 12) handed a bill to control the appointment and repair phrases of Chief Election Commissioner and election commissioners because the Opposition MPs objected and protested towards its provisions and staged a walkout. Soon after a reply by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, the bill was handed within the Upper House. The Minister stated that the Election Commission will proceed to “work independently” and the bill was launched following a Supreme Court judgement.
The amendments moved by the opposition events to the Chief Election Commissioner and different Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, have been negated.
The bill gives for the appointment, {qualifications}, Search Committee, Selection Committee, time period of workplace, wage, resignation and elimination, depart, pension of the Chief Election Commissioner and different election commissioners.
What did the Minister say?
The Law Minister stated that the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991 doesn’t have provisions concerning the {qualifications}, search committee for making ready a panel of individuals for consideration and advice by the Selection Committee for appointment as CEC and election commissioners.
The Supreme Court, in a writ petition, declared that the appointment of CEC and ECs shall be made by the President on the premise of recommendation tendered by a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition within the Lok Sabha or chief of the biggest opposition celebration within the House and the Chief Justice of India. Meghwal stated judgment had famous that the norm supplied by the Supreme Court will proceed to carry good until a legislation is made by the Parliament.
“We are bringing the law for this purpose,” he stated.
Congress’ response
Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, whereas taking part within the debate, stated that the bill doesn’t cross “constitutional muster”.
“It is manifestly arbitrary; its intent is disastrous and the result is disastrous,” he stated.
He stated that independence of Election Commission is sine quo non for democracy.
The bill was additionally opposed by different Opposition MPs who later staged a walkout. However, the BJD supported the bill.
The Bill will substitute the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.
(With ANI inputs)
