Rahul Gandhi Questions Why CJI Was Removed from Panel Selecting Election Commissioners

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi sharply criticised the Centre in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, questioning why the Chief Justice of India (CJI) was removed from the high-powered panel responsible for selecting the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners.

Speaking during a debate on electoral reforms, Rahul Gandhi said that although he is part of the panel as the Leader of the Opposition, he effectively has “no voice,” as he is outnumbered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Rahul Gandhi questions removal of CJI from CEC selection committee

“Why was the CJI removed from the selection panel? Do we not trust the CJI?” Rahul Gandhi asked, referring to the 2023 law that replaced the Chief Justice with a Union Cabinet Minister on the committee recommending appointments to the President.

The panel now consists of:

• Prime Minister

• Union Cabinet Minister (replacing CJI)

• Leader of the Opposition

Rahul Gandhi argued that the exclusion of the judiciary raised questions about the government’s intent.

Raises concerns about immunity granted to Election Commissioners

Gandhi also criticised Clause 16 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, which protects the poll body chief and commissioners from legal action for decisions made in their official capacity.

According to him, these legal shields and structural changes compromise the independence of the Election Commission.

Alleges political influence on poll scheduling

He alleged that election dates are often fixed to align with the Prime Minister’s campaign preferences. Gandhi claimed that despite multiple complaints regarding voter fraud and discrepancies in electoral rolls, the Election Commission failed to respond to his concerns.

He highlighted alleged anomalies in voter lists, saying:
“In Bihar alone, 1.2 lakh duplicate photos were found after purification. This is how you are winning elections in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.”

Rahul Gandhi lists three proposals for electoral transparency

Rahul Gandhi urged the Election Commission to adopt the following reforms:

1. Share machine-readable voter lists with all political parties at least one month before polls.

2. Roll back the law permitting destruction of CCTV footage from polling stations.

3. Provide clarity on EVM architecture and allow parties access for verification.

His remarks come amid ongoing political debates on electoral safeguards, transparency, and public trust in democratic processes.