New Delhi: After passing the Delhi Services Bill in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the Central Government has now brought a bill in the Rajya Sabha regarding the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. 

The government on Thursday introduced proposed legislation in the Rajya Sabha to exclude the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the panel for appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (EC).

As per the bill, election commissioners will be appointed by the President on the recommendation of a selection committee. The Prime Minister will be its chairman. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Minister nominated by the Prime Minister will be its members.

What was Supreme Court’s verdict?

The Supreme Court in March delivered a landmark judgment aimed at reducing executive interference in the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. In its judgment, the court said appointments would be made by the President on the advice of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice KM Joseph, in a unanimous verdict, had said that the norm would remain in force until a law is enacted in Parliament on the issue..

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