Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023

Key facts

• The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 was passed by Parliament in December 2023 and received the President's assent on December 29, 2023.
• The Act establishes a selection committee for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.
• The Supreme Court observed that the selection committee's composition makes the role of the Leader of the Opposition ornamental, as the Cabinet Minister is likely to side with the Prime Minister.
• The Act excludes the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection panel, unlike the panel for selecting the CBI director which includes the CJI.
• The Supreme Court asked the Attorney General to keep records ready pertaining to the recent appointment of Election Commissioners, including the selection of Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.