- regulate appt., conditions of service and term of office of the CEC and other EC
Present process
- Article 324: Election commission = CEC + any number of EC as Prez decides
- SC: Prez should appoint CEC, EC on advice of committee of PM, Leader of opposition and CJI
Highlights of Bill
- instead of CJI, a Union Cabinet Minister part of committee
- 6yr term, no reappointment
Concerns
- against SC order by dropping CJI
- dominance of ruling party
- search process redundant as committee can appoint anyone
Way Ahead
- Article 324(5) should me amended to equate removal of CEC with EC
- multi stakeholder approach
- more comprehensive consultation