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| Multi-Member Commission: Impact on 2024 Lok Sabha Polls |
In a surprising turn of events, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar finds himself as the sole member of the Election Commission (EC) following the resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel. This development occurs just before the announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and raises crucial questions about the structure and functioning of the Election Commission, particularly in light of previous Supreme Court rulings.
Presently, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar assumes full responsibility for the Election Commission with Arun Goel's resignation. The Supreme Court has expressed concerns about concentrating such extensive and unchecked powers in the hands of a single individual, regardless of their wisdom.
Supreme Court's Stance on Multi-Member Election Commission – 1991 Judgement:
In a landmark 1991 judgment, the Supreme Court emphasized the necessity of a multi-member Election Commission. It argued that entrusting exclusive and uncontrolled powers to a single individual goes against the principles of democratic governance. The court stated that while an individual may resist pressures, a collective body ensures judiciousness and prevents arbitrary decisions.
Contrasting View in the T.N. Seshan Case Verdict:
However, in the 1995 T.N. Seshan case judgment, ambiguity arose when the Constitution Bench mentioned that the Election Commission could be either single-member or multi-member, at the discretion of the President. Despite this, the Bench ultimately supported the idea of a multi-member Commission as per the plain language of Article 324.
Implications for the Upcoming Lok Sabha Polls:
The current scenario, with CEC Rajiv Kumar as the sole member of the Election Commission, raises concerns about the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. The absence of a multi-member Commission raises questions about internal checks and balances, echoing the Supreme Court's previous observations. This situation highlights the critical importance of a multi-member Election Commission in upholding the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
By presenting the importance of a multi-member Election Commission and its implications for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, it's evident that maintaining a balanced and collective decision-making body is essential for the democratic functioning of electoral processes.