Syllabus: GS-II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Elections and RPA, Issue: Independence of institutions
Context: Recent resignation of an election commissioner.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) guarantees free and fair elections, accountable only to voters and committed to protecting their rights.
- Thus, the independence of ECI is of prime concern.
Issues in the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act 2023:
- Exclusion of Chief Justice of India from the selection committee.
- Disparity in the removal process of CEC and EC.
- Replacement of the Cabinet Secretary by the Law Minister as the chair of the Search Committee.
