After split verdict, SC refers law on EC appointment to larger bench

NEW DELHI: On a day when Election Commission found itself under the scanner, a two-judge bench of Supreme Court gave a split verdict on whether the issue of validity of the law on appointment of CEC/ECs be referred to a constitution bench, but later agreed to refer the case to a larger bench for the sake of early adjudication of the contentious issue.Validity of several provisions of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 has been challenged on the ground that the law gives the executive "overwhelming" power to appoint its nominee as election commissioner, as the selection panel composed of the PM, a Cabinet minister and the leader of the opposition is designed to give govt a 2:1 majority.