Opposition Moves Impeachment Motion Against Chief Election Commissioner Over Misbehaviour Allegations
On March 13, opposition parties led by Trinamool Congress moved an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar before the presiding officers of both Houses of Parliament. This historic step marks the first time such removal proceedings have been initiated in India's legislature since its inception on February 28th and is based on seven charges including partisan conduct, discriminatory behavior favoring a specific political party over others like BJP or Congress (I), as well as alleged misuse of office for personal gain by Kumar.
Key Points
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1Opposition parties led by the Trinamool Congress have moved impeachment motions against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on March 13, alleging partisan conduct.
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2The notices were signed between approximately 60 and over 295 MPs across both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to meet constitutional thresholds for removal proceedings.
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3This marks the first time a notice seeking CEC's removal has been submitted in Parliament since his appointment on March 1, 2024.
Developments
The Trinamool Congress has moved an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar before Parliament on March 13 supported by signatures from all major opposition parties alleging partisan conduct and obstruction regarding electoral roll revisions in West Bengal, a bid that requires proof of misbehaviour or incapacity under Article 324.