Bureaucrats Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar have been appointed to fill two vacant positions on the top panel of the Election Commission of India, as announced by Congress leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. The selection process involved a panel chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah also participating alongside Chowdhury.

Chowdhury criticized the composition of the panel, expressing concerns over the absence of the Chief Justice of India, replaced by a Union Minister according to a recent law. He argued that this change undermined the integrity of the selection process, making it a mere formality heavily influenced by the government's majority on the panel.

Chowdhury revealed challenges in the selection process, stating that he received a list of 212 candidates to review the night before the meeting, leaving insufficient time for thorough examination. Despite his efforts to intervene and request a shortlist, he was presented with only six names shortly before the meeting, implying a predetermined outcome.

He highlighted his dissent by questioning the procedure of selection and referred to the controversy surrounding the resignation of Arun Goel, a former Election Commissioner, emphasizing the need for transparency and due diligence in appointments to such crucial positions.

Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar, both retired IAS officers, bring extensive experience to their new roles. Sandhu, from the Uttarakhand cadre, has previously served as Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand and chaired the National Highways Authority of India. Kumar, hailing from the Kerala cadre, held positions as secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and the Ministry of Cooperation led by Amit Shah.

The appointments come just before the Supreme Court hears petitions challenging the selection process. This process, which previously included the Chief Justice of India in the selection panel, has faced criticism following the recent legislative change favoring government representation over judicial oversight.

Various stakeholders, including the Association for Democratic Reforms and Congress leader Jaya Thakur, have contested the legitimacy of the selection process in the Supreme Court, reflecting broader concerns about the autonomy and fairness of such crucial appointments.

Bureaucrats Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar have been appointed to fill two vacant positions on the top panel of the Election Commission of India, as announced by Congress leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. The selection process involved a panel chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah also participating alongside Chowdhury.

Chowdhury criticized the composition of the panel, expressing concerns over the absence of the Chief Justice of India, replaced by a Union Minister according to a recent law. He argued that this change undermined the integrity of the selection process, making it a mere formality heavily influenced by the government's majority on the panel.

Chowdhury revealed challenges in the selection process, stating that he received a list of 212 candidates to review the night before the meeting, leaving insufficient time for thorough examination. Despite his efforts to intervene and request a shortlist, he was presented with only six names shortly before the meeting, implying a predetermined outcome.

He highlighted his dissent by questioning the procedure of selection and referred to the controversy surrounding the resignation of Arun Goel, a former Election Commissioner, emphasizing the need for transparency and due diligence in appointments to such crucial positions.

Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar, both retired IAS officers, bring extensive experience to their new roles. Sandhu, from the Uttarakhand cadre, has previously served as Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand and chaired the National Highways Authority of India. Kumar, hailing from the Kerala cadre, held positions as secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and the Ministry of Cooperation led by Amit Shah.

The appointments come just before the Supreme Court hears petitions challenging the selection process. This process, which previously included the Chief Justice of India in the selection panel, has faced criticism following the recent legislative change favoring government representation over judicial oversight.

Various stakeholders, including the Association for Democratic Reforms and Congress leader Jaya Thakur, have contested the legitimacy of the selection process in the Supreme Court, reflecting broader concerns about the autonomy and fairness of such crucial appointments.