CEC & OTHER ECs BILL 2023 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners' Appointment Bill is scheduled to be presented on the government's agenda during the special session of Parliament.

The CEC and Other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023

• Background: In March of this year, the Supreme Court issued a ruling stating that a committee, consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India, should be responsible for appointing the CEC and ECs.
• To overcome this ruling of the SC, the government is bringing this Bill.

Major features of the New Bill

• Committee Composition: Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
• Qualifications for Appointment: They should have held or currently hold a post equivalent to the rank of secretary.
• Appointments Process: The Selection Committee, consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the nominated Cabinet Minister, will appoint the CEC and ECs from the prepared panel.
• Search Committee: It will consist of two other members not below the rank of Secretary to the government, knowledgeable in matters related to elections.

Election Commission India

• About: It is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
• Establishment: 25th January 1950.
• Appointment: Under Article 324 (2), the President appoints the CEC and other
• Tenure: 6 years or until they reach the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier
• Removal: Similar to that of a Supreme Court judge
• Aim: To define and control the process for elections conducted at various levels: Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice President of India