Supreme Court seeks EC response on CEC's independent decision-making

The Supreme Court on Monday took cognizance of allegations that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been taking administrative decisions without the approval of the two other Election Commissioners, directing both the poll body and the Union government to file detailed responses within seven days.

A bench hearing the petition observed the serious nature of the contentions raised regarding the institutional functioning of the Election Commission. The petitioner has claimed that the CEC has been circumventing the established procedure of collective decision-making that requires concurrence from all three commissioners on matters of significance.

The Court declined to grant any interim relief at this stage, opting instead to allow both the Election Commission and the Centre an opportunity to present their submissions. The responses are expected to provide clarity on the decision-making protocols currently in place and address the specific instances cited in the petition.

This development assumes significance as it touches upon the independence and proper functioning of the constitutional body responsible for conducting elections across the country. The outcome of the case could have implications for how the Election Commission's internal governance structure operates, particularly regarding the powers exercised by the Chief Election Commissioner relative to his colleagues.

The matter is expected to come up for further hearing after the completion of the filing of written submissions from both respondents.