‘We cannot stay legislation’: SC denies to hold poll officers’ appointment

SC denies to hold poll officers’ appointment: In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Thursday declined to issue a stay on the law regarding the appointment of Election Commissioners at this stage citing that it would only lead to “chaos and uncertainty.”

The court made these remarks during the hearing of applications seeking a stay on the law.

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During the hearing, the court highlighted that they have no allegations against newly appointed Election Commissioners, Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu. 

Justice Sanjiv Khanna said, "You cannot say that the Election Commission is under the thumb of the executive. At this stage, we cannot stay the legislation, and it will lead to only chaos and uncertainty."

The Supreme Court bench also said, "The Election Commission has to be independent and fair."

In 2023, the Parliament passed and the President approved The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. 

This legislation substituted the Chief Justice of India with a Union Cabinet minister on the committee responsible for selecting election commissioners. 

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The revised committee composition, which now includes the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet minister, and the Leader of the Opposition, has raised apprehensions regarding its neutrality.

More details awaited. 

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