| Syllabus: GS- II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Institutions, Issue: Appointment of Election Commissioners |
Context: Appointment of two election commissioners.
Key issues in the appointment process
- The process fell short of the independence mandated by the Supreme court in Anoop Baranwal judgement.
- An interim arrangement was implemented with the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India until Parliament enacted a law.
- The government’s law replaced CJI with a Union Minister with potential executive dominance, raising concerns about independence.
Conclusion:
The Court is currently deliberating whether an executive-majority committee can uphold ECI’s independence effectively.
