New Delhi: Opposition parties on Friday submitted a fresh notice in Rajya Sabha seeking a motion to remove Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, according to sources cited by news agency PTI. The notice has been signed by 73 Members of Parliament.
This development follows Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP and spokesperson Derek O'Brien's announcement on Monday that the opposition would move a fresh impeachment notice against the CEC with additional charges. O'Brien stated, "19 political parties and around 300 MPs had earlier moved an impeachment notice against the CEC. In the coming days, a fresh impeachment notice with additional charges will be brought." He made these remarks during a press conference in Kolkata.
Earlier this month, notices submitted in both Houses of Parliament seeking Kumar's removal were rejected by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan. The opposition has accused Kumar of 'partial conduct,' alleging that he favoured the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), particularly in connection with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The earlier notice, backed by over 193 MPs from multiple opposition parties, cited several charges, including 'proved misbehaviour' and concerns over his handling of electoral roll revisions in states such as Bihar and West Bengal. The move comes amid heightened political tensions as the first phase of West Bengal assembly elections was conducted on Thursday, where disputes over electoral roll revisions and administrative decisions by the Election Commission have become key flashpoints.
Constitutional Process for Removal
Under Article 324(5) of the Constitution, the process to remove the Chief Election Commissioner is similar to that for a Supreme Court judge. It requires a special majority in Parliament and can only be initiated on grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity. Once admitted, a committee comprising senior judicial members and a distinguished jurist examines the charges, and the CEC is given an opportunity to present a defence before any further proceedings.
The opposition's fresh notice underscores the ongoing political friction over the Election Commission's functioning, with critics questioning its impartiality ahead of crucial state elections.
