Opposition Plans Motion to Remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Alleges Biased Conduct

The Opposition is preparing to move a motion seeking the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), highlighting the constitutional safeguards and removal process of the Election Commission of India.

Election Commission of India & Removal of CEC :

Aspect	Key Details
Constitutional Body	Election Commission of India (ECI) is established under Article 324 of the Constitution.
Composition	Consists of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of Election Commissioners (ECs) as determined by the President.
Appointment	Appointed by the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.
Selection Committee	Comprises the Prime Minister, a Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha (or leader of the largest opposition party).
Search Committee	Headed by the Cabinet Secretary; recommends a panel of five names to the Selection Committee (non-binding).
Eligibility	Persons of integrity with knowledge and experience in election management; must be or have been Secretary (or equivalent) to the Government.
Tenure	6 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Reappointment	Not eligible for reappointment; if an EC becomes CEC, total tenure cannot exceed 6 years.
Salary & Status	Equivalent to that of the Cabinet Secretary.
Removal of CEC	Governed by Article 324(5); removal process is similar to that of a Supreme Court Judge.
Grounds for Removal	Proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
Procedure	Requires a motion passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha with a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
Removal of Other ECs	Removed by the President on the recommendation of the CEC.
Legal Framework	The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 governs appointment and service conditions.