SC to Hear Plea Seeking Gyanesh Kumar Suspension
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear next week a petition seeking to restrain Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar from performing his duties while challenging decisions allegedly taken without the approval of the other two Election Commissioners.
Supreme Court to Hear Gyanesh Kumar Plea
The petition was mentioned before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.
Senior advocate Vikas Singh sought an early hearing, arguing that decisions of the multi-member Election Commission must be taken unanimously or by majority.
The plea has been filed by Rakesh Kumar Singh and seeks a writ of quo warranto questioning the authority under which the Chief Election Commissioner allegedly exercised powers belonging collectively to the Election Commission.
Petition Challenges Election Commission Decisions
The petition refers to reported objections by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi concerning decisions linked to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
It alleges that some decisions were taken without their approval and seeks examination of Election Commission records, including meeting minutes, agendas, approval documents and file notings.
The allegations have not been adjudicated. The Election Commission has maintained that its final decisions were taken unanimously and in accordance with established procedures.
Plea Seeks Interim Suspension of CEC
Among the interim reliefs sought is a direction preventing Gyanesh Kumar from functioning as Chief Election Commissioner while the case remains pending.
The petition also challenges aspects of the SIR process and seeks preservation and production of relevant Commission records.
The Supreme Court has not ruled on the allegations and has only agreed to list the matter for hearing.
