The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear next week a plea questioning whether decisions of the Election Commission of India under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar are being taken in accordance with the statutory framework governing the multi-member poll body.
The matter was mentioned before a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana.
Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing while mentioning the plea, told the bench that the law requires decisions of the Election Commission to be taken unanimously or by majority. He raised doubts over whether that process was being followed in the functioning of the Commission.
The plea follows a report that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded objections on at least 14 occasions during the past 10 months in connection with decisions and orders relating to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Objections Reportedly Raised Over Certain Orders
According to the report, the two Election Commissioners objected to some orders on the ground that they had been issued without their knowledge or recommendation.
The Election Commission has rejected suggestions that the communications indicated differences among the commissioners over policy-related decisions.
In a statement, the poll panel said the letters sent by Sandhu and Joshi to the Cabinet Secretary related to an officer on deputation and were not connected with policy matters or issues concerning the IT division.
The Supreme Court is expected to take up the plea next week.
