The Supreme Court has questioned the neutrality of the Prime Minister-led selection panel for appointing Election Commissioners under the 2023 Act, reigniting the debate on executive influence over constitutional bodies and the independence of the Election Commission.
One-Liners
| Fact / Entity | Detail |
|---|---|
| What | Supreme Court scrutinising neutrality of PM-led panel for EC appointments |
| When | May 2026 (ongoing judicial oversight) |
| Who | Supreme Court of India |
| Constitutional Article | Article 324(2) — Appointment of Election Commissioners by President under law made by Parliament |
| Legislation | Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 |
| Key Outcome | Court questioning panel's "neutrality" and its impact on EC independence |
| Previous Landmark | Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023) |
| Panel Composition (2023 Act) | Prime Minister (Chairperson), Union Cabinet Minister, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha |