Former Supreme Court judge calls for constitutional safeguards to ensure ECI’s independence
Former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph has advocated for constitutional amendments to secure the independence of the Election Commission of India. He argues that appointment and service conditions should be enshrined in the Constitution rather than left to parliamentary discretion.
Why it matters
This addresses critical concerns regarding the autonomy of democratic institutions and the potential for political influence over election oversight.
Former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph has said that the Constitution should be appropriately amended to provide for the appointment and service conditions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), rather than leaving the matter to Parliament.
The appointment and service conditions of the ECI should be enshrined in the Constitution itself, as this would probably provide a better safeguard and go a long way towards ensuring the integrity and independence of the body, besides being in tune with the Constitution, he said in his online inaugural address at a discussion on ‘Independence of Election Commission of India: Compromised?’
The programme was organised by the Indian Association of Lawyers, Kerala, here on Tuesday. “It is meant to be independent and is never meant to be otherwise,” he said.
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