New Delhi: The CPI-M on Thursday slammed the government on a bill that seeks to replace the Chief Justice of India with a cabinet minister in the panel for selection of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners, saying it will “destroy” the poll panel’s impartiality.
The Left party also accused the government of diluting a Constitution bench judgement on the appointment of chief election commissioner and election commissioners.
According to the bill introduced in the Rajya Sabha, future chief election commissioners and election commissioners will be selected by a three-member panel headed by the Prime Minister and comprising the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha and a cabinet minister.
The bill comes months after the Supreme Court in March ruled that a three-member panel, headed by the Prime Minister and comprising the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India, will select the CEC and ECs till a law is framed by Parliament on the appointment of these commissioners.
“After negating a Supreme Court verdict on the powers of Delhi government, Modi government has now diluted another Constitution bench judgement on appointment of election commissioners by replacing CJI with a cabinet minister chosen by PM!
“Modi govt seems to ape Israel’s extreme right wing government’s efforts to make judiciary subservient. Constitution of India mandates an impartial Election Commission to conduct “free and fair” elections. This move destroys EC’s impartiality,” said CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury.
The Centre’s move, which will allow it to have more control over the appointments of members of the poll panel, has been criticised by the opposition.
