In a significant move, the Supreme Court on Monday asked the Central Government to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the current procedure for appointing the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. The petition claims that the existing method, which involves appointment solely by the executive and the Prime Minister, breaches constitutional principles.
The PIL, initiated by the NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation, was brought before a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh. The justices have decided to link this case with another ongoing matter that addresses a similar concern, highlighting the urgency and importance of the issue.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the NGO, emphasized the need for the independence of the CAG. He raised concerns about alleged obstructions in CAG audits in states like Maharashtra, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governs, suggesting political influences might be at play.
The petition advocates for a more transparent and balanced approach to the CAG’s appointment. It proposes that the President should appoint the CAG but only after consultations with an impartial selection committee. This committee should include the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), and the Chief Justice of India, mirroring the selection process for other key bodies like the Information Commissions and the Central Vigilance Commission.
