Supreme Court notice to ECI, Centre on plea challenging decisions taken by CEC-led poll panel
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission and the Centre regarding a plea challenging the unilateral decision-making powers of the Chief Election Commissioner. The petitioner argues that the 2023 Act grants excessive immunity to the CEC, potentially undermining the institution's credibility.
Why it matters
The case touches upon the constitutional balance of power and the independence of India's electoral oversight body.
The Supreme Court on Monday (October 5, 2026) issued notice to the Election Commission (ECI) and the Centre seeking responses in a week on a plea challenging the manner in which the poll panel led by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar took decisions allegedly without the approval of two Election Commissioners.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana took note of the submissions of senior advocate Vikas Singh and issued the notice.
The Bench said the decisions of the Election Commission have to be either unanimous or by majority, and that it presumed that this is how all decisions were taken.
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