Top Court-Like Selection Of Election Body Members? Larger Bench To Decide

The Supreme Court today referred to a five-judge constitution bench a plea asking for a collegium-like selection process for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs). The top court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by petitioner Anoop Baranwal, seeking a transparent selection process for appointment of election commissioners in the poll panel.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice SK Kaul said the issue of appointment of election commissioners has to be taken up by a larger constitution bench.

However, the Centre has opposed the petition. Attorney General KK Venugopal said that no chief election commissioner has been found guilty of abusing their official position so far.