Challenge To Election Commissioners' Law: Live Updates From Supreme Court
LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK
7 May 2026 10:37 AM IST
The Supreme Court is hearing the petitions challenging the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
Bench : Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma.
Yesterday, the Court rejected Centre's plea to adjourn the matter and began hearing arguments, orally observing that this case is more important than any other.
The petitioners have argued that the law violates constitutional principles affirmed by the Supreme Court in Anoop Baranwal v. UoI judgement, which provided for a selection panel comprising the Chief Justice of India apart from PM and LoP.
The petitioners contended that the impugned law ensures that "Prime Minister's man" is appointed, undermining independence and impartiality of the Election Commission.
Read report from yesterday's hearing here
Follow the page for live updates.
Live Updates
- 7 May 2026 11:27 AM IST
J Datta: What the pleadings you have taken for us to hold that the law violates principle of free and fair elections.
Hansaria: this is part of my submissions that in order to ensure purity of election the constitutional makers thought that holding of election should be entrusted to independent body insulated from political executive interference.
- 7 May 2026 11:22 AM IST
Matter begins. Senior Advocate Vijay Hansaria to resume his arguments.
Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat: when the Act was passed 141 Members of Parliament were under suspension. So there was no proper debate. I will show it.
Hansaria: And the object and reasons specifically noted that Baranwal judgement provided for CJI to be a member.