Opposition bloc INDIA mulls removal of Chief Election Commissioner
CEC can be removed on grounds of ‘proved misbehavior or incapacity’
New Delhi: The opposition bloc INDIA held a meeting in the chamber of Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, a day after Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar issued an ultimatum to Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders to either provide evidence of alleged vote theft or apologise.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the meeting discussed the possibility of initiating proceedings for Kumar’s removal, though no decision was taken on the bloc’s candidate for the upcoming vice-presidential election.
Under the Indian Constitution, a Chief Election Commissioner can be removed on grounds of “proved misbehaviour or incapacity.” The removal requires a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament with a special majority—two-thirds of members present and voting, supported by more than 50 percent of the total strength of the House. However, the Constitution does not use the word “impeachment” in this context.
Opposition leaders present at the meeting admitted that the proposal to remove the CEC is still at a preliminary stage, and acknowledged that the bloc lacks the required numbers to push the resolution in Parliament at present.
