193 INDIA bloc MPs submit notice for removal of CEC, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• INDIA bloc MPs submitted a notice in both Houses of Parliament on Friday seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
• The 10-page notice lists seven charges against Mr. Kumar, including partisan conduct and obstruction of electoral fraud investigation.
• Opposition parties accuse the CEC of aiding the ruling BJP, particularly during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
• The notice has signatures from 130 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 63 in the Rajya Sabha, exceeding the required numbers.

Detailed Insights:

• The opposition alleges the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is being used to benefit the ruling party, citing examples from West Bengal and Bihar.
• Article 324(5) of the Constitution provides that the CEC can only be removed in the same manner as a Supreme Court Judge.
• The Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 outlines the procedure for investigating such motions, requiring admission in both Houses before a committee is formed.
• The Trinamool Congress considered moving the notice in only one House but ultimately decided to include members from both Houses to register a stronger protest.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Chief Election Commissioner (CEC): The authority responsible for superintendence, direction, and control of elections.
• Special Intensive Revision (SIR): An electoral process for updating and revising voter lists.
• Article 324(5): Constitutional provision detailing the removal process for the Chief Election Commissioner.

Removal of CEC