New Delhi, Apr 07 ; In a significant parliamentary development, efforts by Opposition parties to initiate proceedings against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar were turned down on Monday by Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
The notices, submitted on March 12, had secured backing from 63 Rajya Sabha members and 130 Lok Sabha MPs meeting the prescribed threshold for initiating such a motion. Despite this, the presiding officers declined to admit the proposal, citing a “careful and objective assessment” of all relevant factors, though no detailed explanation was provided.
The move was spearheaded by the Trinamool Congress, which accused the election commissioner of biased conduct and misuse of constitutional authority. The party further alleged that key electoral processes, including investigations into alleged irregularities and revision of voter rolls, were mishandled.
The decision was formally communicated through parliamentary bulletins, invoking provisions under the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968, which empowers the Speaker and Chairman to accept or reject such motions after due consideration.
As per procedure, the removal of a Chief Election Commissioner follows a process similar to that of judges in constitutional courts. Once admitted, a motion requires investigation by a committee, followed by a two-thirds majority vote in both Houses before being forwarded to the President.
Reacting strongly, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien criticised the lack of transparency, alleging that the decision undermines parliamentary integrity. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also raised concerns, drawing parallels with past developments involving former Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.
The Opposition has repeatedly questioned the neutrality of the Election Commission of India, accusing it of aligning with the ruling establishment an allegation that continues to intensify political debate.