One Of India’s Election Commissioners Resigns As Lok Sabha Poll Dates Expected Next Week

In a surprising turn of events just weeks before the Lok Sabha polls 2024, Election Commissioner Arun Goel has tendered his resignation, which has been accepted by the President of India. This development leaves the Election Commission of India with only Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, as Mr. Goel’s departure exacerbates an existing vacancy. One seat was already vacant in the coveted office of three Election Commissioners in the country.

”In pursuance of clause (1) of Section 11 of The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the President is pleased to accept the resignation tendered by Shri Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 09th March, 2024,” a notification from law ministry said.

Speculation had been rife regarding the announcement of Lok Sabha election dates next week. However, Mr. Goel’s resignation casts uncertainty on that timeline, raising questions about the Commission’s operational capacity amidst the crucial electoral process.

Mr. Goel, a seasoned 1985-batch IAS officer, had opted for voluntary retirement on November 18, 2022, and subsequently assumed the role of Election Commissioner a day later. However, his appointment had faced legal challenges, with the Supreme Court questioning the expediency of the process.

The Court had raised concerns over the rapidity of Mr. Goel’s appointment, querying the government’s urgency in the matter. Despite initial scrutiny, the petition challenging his appointment was eventually dismissed by a two-judge bench last year, citing a previous examination by a Constitution Bench.

Recent legislative amendments dictate that the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners are to be appointed by the President of India upon the recommendation of a selection committee. Notably, the selection committee comprises the Prime Minister, the Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition.

Opposition voices have criticized the amended bill, expressing apprehensions that it may pave the way for the appointment of a ‘Yes Man’ as Chief Election Commissioner. This concern arises from the composition of the selection committee, where two out of three members are the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Minister.