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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Feb 19, 2025, 15:18:50 IST
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Chief Election Commissioner Appointment Live Updates: SC adjourns hearing of petitions challenging validity of law relating to CEC appointment
Chief Election Commissioner Appointment Live Updates: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would take up on a "priority basis" the pleas challenging the appointments of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (EC) under the 2023 law on February 19.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh was informed by advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing an NGO, that the government's decision to exclude the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection process violated a 2023 Constitution Bench ruling. Bhushan argued that this move undermined democracy.
"The matter is listed on February 19, but as item number 41. The government has disregarded the Constitution Bench's view by making these appointments under the 2023 law. Kindly take it up urgently," Bhushan urged the court.
Advocate Varun Thakur, representing petitioner Jaya Thakur, highlighted that three appointments had been made under the contested legislation.
The bench assured that after addressing other urgent matters, the petitions would be heard on February 19.
On February 17, the government appointed Gyanesh Kumar as the new CEC, making him the first to hold the post under the 2023 law. His term will run until January 26, 2029, just before the expected announcement of the next Lok Sabha election schedule.
Additionally, Vivek Joshi, a 1989-batch Haryana-cadre IAS officer, was appointed as an election commissioner. Born on May 21, 1966, Joshi is set to serve in the Election Commission until 2031.
The 2023 law stipulates that a CEC or EC can serve for six years or until they reach the age of 65.
The Supreme Court had earlier scheduled February 19 to hear the pleas, stating that any developments in the meantime would have consequences. It reaffirmed that the matter would be decided on merit.
Bhushan reiterated that the 2023 ruling mandated an independent selection panel consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and CJI. However, the new law replaced the CJI with a minister, effectively giving the government control over the appointments.
On March 15, 2024, the Supreme Court declined to stay the appointments made under the new law and postponed the hearing on multiple petitions challenging the process. The court had previously clarified that its March 2, 2023, verdict directed the three-member panel—including the CJI—to function only until Parliament enacted a law.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh was informed by advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing an NGO, that the government's decision to exclude the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection process violated a 2023 Constitution Bench ruling. Bhushan argued that this move undermined democracy.
"The matter is listed on February 19, but as item number 41. The government has disregarded the Constitution Bench's view by making these appointments under the 2023 law. Kindly take it up urgently," Bhushan urged the court.
Advocate Varun Thakur, representing petitioner Jaya Thakur, highlighted that three appointments had been made under the contested legislation.
The bench assured that after addressing other urgent matters, the petitions would be heard on February 19.
On February 17, the government appointed Gyanesh Kumar as the new CEC, making him the first to hold the post under the 2023 law. His term will run until January 26, 2029, just before the expected announcement of the next Lok Sabha election schedule.
Additionally, Vivek Joshi, a 1989-batch Haryana-cadre IAS officer, was appointed as an election commissioner. Born on May 21, 1966, Joshi is set to serve in the Election Commission until 2031.
The 2023 law stipulates that a CEC or EC can serve for six years or until they reach the age of 65.
The Supreme Court had earlier scheduled February 19 to hear the pleas, stating that any developments in the meantime would have consequences. It reaffirmed that the matter would be decided on merit.
Bhushan reiterated that the 2023 ruling mandated an independent selection panel consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and CJI. However, the new law replaced the CJI with a minister, effectively giving the government control over the appointments.
On March 15, 2024, the Supreme Court declined to stay the appointments made under the new law and postponed the hearing on multiple petitions challenging the process. The court had previously clarified that its March 2, 2023, verdict directed the three-member panel—including the CJI—to function only until Parliament enacted a law.
15:17 (IST) Feb 19
You will be accountable for poll results: Kharge to top office-bearers
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge recently addressed senior party office-bearers following a significant organizational reshuffle, emphasizing accountability and strengthening the party structure ahead of upcoming elections. At a meeting at the party headquarters, Kharge told the general secretaries and state in-charges that they would be held accountable for the party’s performance in future state elections. He stressed the importance of promoting individuals committed to Congress's ideology, cautioning against the risk of integrating ideologically weak turncoats.
Kharge hinted that further changes in the party structure were forthcoming. He also raised concerns about alleged manipulation of voter lists, with claims that the BJP is altering voter records in critical states. Kharge referred to Rahul Gandhi’s recent question in the Lok Sabha about this issue and criticized the removal of the Chief Justice from the Chief Election Commission's selection panel by the Modi government.
Kharge hinted that further changes in the party structure were forthcoming. He also raised concerns about alleged manipulation of voter lists, with claims that the BJP is altering voter records in critical states. Kharge referred to Rahul Gandhi’s recent question in the Lok Sabha about this issue and criticized the removal of the Chief Justice from the Chief Election Commission's selection panel by the Modi government.
15:14 (IST) Feb 19
Supreme Court adjourns hearing of petitions challenging validity of law relating to appointment of CEC
Supreme Court adjourns the hearing of a batch of petitions challenging the validity of the law relating to the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners, which dropped Chief Justice of India from the selection panel for Election Commissioners.
12:51 (IST) Feb 19
This building is the place of worship of democracy. Through great hard work, it has amassed heritage in the last 75 years. I am very hopeful that in the time to come, this will rise higher than where it stands today. This is going to very capable hands. The new team will take it even higher.The country's democracy will remain strong and intact and will earn honour before the world. I hope that people will remember and learn lessons from Indian democracy and Indian elections. The biggest contribution towards this is by the voters and political parties. I wish all the best to everyone, all voters.
Former CEC Rajiv Kumar
10:26 (IST) Feb 19
Gyanesh Kumar assumes charge as CEC; Vivek Joshi as EC
Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday took over as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner, while Vivek Joshi assumed charge as an Election Commissioner. An Election Commissioner since March 2024, Kumar was elevated as the CEC on Monday.
Gyanesh Kumar replaced Rajiv Kumar, who demitted office on Tuesday, as head of the poll panel.
Sukhbir Singh Sandhu is the other election commissioner.
Joshi, a former Haryana cadre IAS officer, was appointed as an Election Commissioner on Monday.
In his message to voters after assuming charge, Kumar said, "First step for nation building is voting. Therefore, every citizen of India who has completed 18 years of age should become an elector and should always vote."
Kumar asserted that the "Election Commission was, is and will always be with the voters".
Gyanesh Kumar replaced Rajiv Kumar, who demitted office on Tuesday, as head of the poll panel.
Sukhbir Singh Sandhu is the other election commissioner.
Joshi, a former Haryana cadre IAS officer, was appointed as an Election Commissioner on Monday.
In his message to voters after assuming charge, Kumar said, "First step for nation building is voting. Therefore, every citizen of India who has completed 18 years of age should become an elector and should always vote."
Kumar asserted that the "Election Commission was, is and will always be with the voters".
10:22 (IST) Feb 19
Vivek Joshi assumed charge as election commissioner
10:14 (IST) Feb 19
Supreme Court to hear petitions against CEC, EC appointments today
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would on February 19 take up on "priority basis" the pleas against the appointments of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (EC) under the 2023 law. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh was informed by advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for an NGO, that despite the Constitution bench verdict of 2023 directing selection and appointment of the CEC and ECs through a panel including the Chief Justice of India, the government excluded the CJI and made a "mockery of democracy".
He said, "The matter is listed on February 19 but it is listed as item number 41. The government has appointed the CEC and EC as per 2023 law disregarding the view taken by a constitution bench. Kindly take up on top of the board as the matter requires urgent consideration."
Advocate Varun Thakur, appearing for petitioner Jaya Thakur, said three appointments were made by the government under the new law, which was under challenge.
The bench assured Bhushan and other parties that after some urgent listed matters, it would take up the petitions for hearing on February 19.
He said, "The matter is listed on February 19 but it is listed as item number 41. The government has appointed the CEC and EC as per 2023 law disregarding the view taken by a constitution bench. Kindly take up on top of the board as the matter requires urgent consideration."
Advocate Varun Thakur, appearing for petitioner Jaya Thakur, said three appointments were made by the government under the new law, which was under challenge.
The bench assured Bhushan and other parties that after some urgent listed matters, it would take up the petitions for hearing on February 19.
10:01 (IST) Feb 19
CEC Appointment Live: Newly-appointed chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar takes charge of the office
10:00 (IST) Feb 19
'First step for nation building is voting': CEC Gyanesh Kumar
After taking charge, newly-appointed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar says, "First step for nation building is voting. Therefore, every citizen of India who has completed 18 years of age should become an elector and should always vote. In accordance with the Constitution of India, electoral laws, rules and instructions issued therein, the Election Commission of India was, is and will always be with the voters."
09:43 (IST) Feb 19
'EC was, is and will always be with voters': CEC
Gyanesh Kumar today assumed charge as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India in pursuance of the Ministry of Law & Justice Gazette notification dated 17.02.2025. After assuming charge as CEC, Shri Gyanesh Kumar in his message to the voters said that the first step for nation building is voting and every citizen of India who has completed 18 Yrs of age should become an elector and should always vote. He added that in accordance with the Constitution of India, Electoral Laws, Rules and Instructions issued therein, the Election Commission was, is and will always be with the voters: Election Commission of India
09:07 (IST) Feb 19
'Disrespectful, discourteous', says Rahul Gandhi's dissent note on CEC appointment
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday expressed strong dissent on the process by which the new Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar was appointed, criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's decision to exclude the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee.
He said that by violating the Supreme Court order and "removing" the Chief Justice from the selection committee, the government has "exacerbated the concerns of hundreds of millions of voters over the integrity of our electoral process."
On February 17, the government appointed Gyanesh Kumar as the new CEC, to succeed Rajiv Kumar. The Lok Sabha LoP, who is part of the committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi submitted his dissent note, terming the selection process as both "disrespectful and discourteous."
"By violating the Supreme Court order and removing the Chief Justice of India from the committee, the Modi Government has exacerbated the concerns of hundreds of millions of voters over the integrity of our electoral process," the Congress leader said in his dissent note he shared today on X.
He said that by violating the Supreme Court order and "removing" the Chief Justice from the selection committee, the government has "exacerbated the concerns of hundreds of millions of voters over the integrity of our electoral process."
On February 17, the government appointed Gyanesh Kumar as the new CEC, to succeed Rajiv Kumar. The Lok Sabha LoP, who is part of the committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi submitted his dissent note, terming the selection process as both "disrespectful and discourteous."
"By violating the Supreme Court order and removing the Chief Justice of India from the committee, the Modi Government has exacerbated the concerns of hundreds of millions of voters over the integrity of our electoral process," the Congress leader said in his dissent note he shared today on X.
09:07 (IST) Feb 19
Former CEC Rajiv Kumar bids farewell to ECI, describes it as 'place of worship of democracy'
Rajiv Kumar, who served as the 25th Chief Election Commissioner of India, bid farewell to the Election Commission of India on Tuesday, describing it as "the place of worship of democracy."
He expressed optimism about the institution's future, stating that it would "rise higher than where it stands today" under the leadership of the incoming team.
Kumar emphasised the pivotal role of voters and political parties in strengthening India's democracy and extended his best wishes to all voters.
Speaking to ANI, Rajiv Kumar said, "This building is the place of worship of democracy. Through great hard work, it has amassed heritage in the last 75 years. I am very hopeful that in the time to come, this will rise higher than where it stands today. This is going to very capable hands. The new team will take it even higher."
He expressed optimism about the institution's future, stating that it would "rise higher than where it stands today" under the leadership of the incoming team.
Kumar emphasised the pivotal role of voters and political parties in strengthening India's democracy and extended his best wishes to all voters.
Speaking to ANI, Rajiv Kumar said, "This building is the place of worship of democracy. Through great hard work, it has amassed heritage in the last 75 years. I am very hopeful that in the time to come, this will rise higher than where it stands today. This is going to very capable hands. The new team will take it even higher."
09:07 (IST) Feb 19
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav fired a sharp rebuke at the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday following the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new chief election commissioner (CEC).
Accusing the poll body of bias, Yadav claimed it had been reduced to a "cheerleader" for the ruling BJP. "When two teams play a match, the umpire should be neutral. These days, we have cheerleaders in cricket matches, and similarly, the EC's status has been reduced to that of a mere cheerleader," Yadav told reporters.
Accusing the poll body of bias, Yadav claimed it had been reduced to a "cheerleader" for the ruling BJP. "When two teams play a match, the umpire should be neutral. These days, we have cheerleaders in cricket matches, and similarly, the EC's status has been reduced to that of a mere cheerleader," Yadav told reporters.
09:06 (IST) Feb 19
TMC slams Centre over appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as ECI chief, calls Amit Shah 'new CEC'
Slamming the Centre over the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commission (CEC), Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale on Tuesday called Home Minister Amit Shah "India's new CEC", adding that "the goal of reducing ECI to a wing of BJP will be successfully achieved". The Union government late on Monday night appointed Kumar as the new CEC, hours after the meeting of the prime minister-led selection committee in which Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi asked the government to defer the meeting given the matter is pending in the Supreme Court.
The appointment came at a time when the Supreme Court is set to take up on "priority basis" the pleas against the appointments of the CEC and election commissioners (ECs) under the 2023 law on February 19. Gandhi also presented a dissent note to the panel which also comprises Shah.
The 2023 law has been opposed by the opposition parties, which have also over the last couple of years questioned the impartiality of the poll panel on multiple occasions.
The appointment came at a time when the Supreme Court is set to take up on "priority basis" the pleas against the appointments of the CEC and election commissioners (ECs) under the 2023 law on February 19. Gandhi also presented a dissent note to the panel which also comprises Shah.
The 2023 law has been opposed by the opposition parties, which have also over the last couple of years questioned the impartiality of the poll panel on multiple occasions.
09:06 (IST) Feb 19
Disrespectful for PM, HM to have made midnight decision to appoint new CEC: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said it is "disrespectful" and "discourteous" for the prime minister and home minister to have made a midnight decision to select the new CEC when the process of selection is being challenged in the Supreme Court. The government late on Monday night appointed Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), hours after the meeting of the prime minister-led selection committee in which the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha asked the government to defer the meeting in view of the Supreme Court hearing in the matter.
Gandhi also presented a dissent note to the panel, of which Home Minister Amit Shah is also a member.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would on February 19 take up on "priority basis" the pleas against the appointments of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (EC) under the 2023 law.
Gandhi also presented a dissent note to the panel, of which Home Minister Amit Shah is also a member.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would on February 19 take up on "priority basis" the pleas against the appointments of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (EC) under the 2023 law.
Chief Election Commissioner Appointment Live Updates: Gyanesh Kumar officially assumed charge as India’s 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Wednesday, succeeding Rajiv Kumar, who stepped down a day earlier. Meanwhile, Vivek Joshi, a former Haryana cadre IAS officer, took over as an Election Commissioner (EC).
Kumar, who has been an Election Commissioner since March 2024, was elevated to the top post on Monday. He now heads the Election Commission alongside fellow commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Joshi.
In his first message to voters, Kumar emphasized the significance of electoral participation. “The first step in nation-building is voting. Every Indian citizen who has turned 18 should register as an elector and always exercise their right to vote,” he said.
Reaffirming the poll body's commitment, Kumar added, “The Election Commission was, is, and will always stand with the voters.”
Kumar, who has been an Election Commissioner since March 2024, was elevated to the top post on Monday. He now heads the Election Commission alongside fellow commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Joshi.
In his first message to voters, Kumar emphasized the significance of electoral participation. “The first step in nation-building is voting. Every Indian citizen who has turned 18 should register as an elector and always exercise their right to vote,” he said.
Reaffirming the poll body's commitment, Kumar added, “The Election Commission was, is, and will always stand with the voters.”
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