National Desk, 21st December: During the Winter Session, the Lok Sabha passed the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, on December 21.
Introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, the bill aims to regulate the appointment process of these officials. However, it has sparked controversy as it deviates from the Supreme Court’s earlier direction that the selection panel for the Election Commission should include the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
The new bill replaces the CJI with a minister nominated by the Prime Minister in the selection committee. Arjun Ram Meghwal justified this move, emphasizing the separation of powers under Article 50 of the Constitution.