Oppn to move fresh motion seeking CEC removal:Earlier notice rejected in March; now seeks support of 200 MPs

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar is once again facing an opposition push for his removal. According to sources, several opposition leaders are in talks with each other. Around five senior leaders are working on drafting a new notice to initiate removal proceedings. Earlier in March, the opposition had already submitted a notice in Parliament seeking his removal. However, both Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan rejected those notices, stating that the allegations against Gyanesh Kumar did not meet the high constitutional standards required for his removal. Opposition seeks support of 200 MPs In the new notice, the opposition is trying to gather support from at least 200 Members of Parliament. One key reason for this move is the recently defeated Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. On Friday, the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill was defeated after voting, with 230 MPs voting against it. According to the rules, signatures of 100 MPs are required For a motion to remove the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in the Lok Sabha, signatures of at least 100 MPs are required, while in the Rajya Sabha at least 50 MPs’ signatures are needed. Inquiry committee only after motion is accepted, as per law The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge. For removing other Election Commissioners, the recommendation of the CEC is required. As per the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, if a notice is submitted in both Houses on the same day, an inquiry committee is formed only after the motion is admitted in both Houses. After this, the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman together constitute a joint inquiry committee. ​