Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla rejected notices moved by the Opposition MPs seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, holding that the Opposition failed to provide proof and the allegations levelled against him do not establish a prima facie case of “misbehaviour” as required under the Constitution.
A detailed 17-page order issued separately by the two presiding officers said the charges either lacked proof related to matters already adjudicated or were currently under judicial scrutiny. While the issues raised may be pertinent for political debate, the order notes that they did not meet the “high constitutional bar” necessary to initiate removal proceedings under Articles 324(5) and 124(4) of the Constitution or the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
The notices, submitted on March 12, were signed by 63 Rajya Sabha members and 130 Lok Sabha members and contained seven charges against the CEC. Each charge was examined and rebutted in the order.
Rajya Sabha Chairman, Lok Sabha Speaker reject Opposition notice seeking CEC’s removal
Administrative background
