11 December 2025 | In a heated debate in the Lok Sabha, senior leaders from the ruling BJP and opposition Congress discussed the role of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in the selection panel for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners. The conversation centered around the government’s recent legislative changes regarding election reforms.
Congress Questions Exclusion of CJI
During the discussion on ‘election reforms’, Congress leader K C Venugopal raised concerns about the exclusion of the CJI from the selection committee for appointing the CEC and fellow election commissioners. He pointed out that a Supreme Court bench, led by retired judge K M Joseph, had previously directed that the selection committee should include the prime minister, the CJI, and the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha until a formal law was established.
BJP Defends Legislative Changes
In response, former Union law minister and senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad defended the government’s position. He argued that if an elected government led by the prime minister could be trusted with critical national decisions, such as the nuclear button, there was no reason to involve the judiciary in the selection of the CEC or election commissioners. Prasad emphasized that the legislature had enacted a law that did not include the CJI, suggesting that the judiciary should not be involved in every legislative matter.
Parliament Passes New Bill
The government had proposed a new Bill establishing a selection committee led by the prime minister, with a Union Cabinet minister and the leader of the opposition as members. This Bill was subsequently passed by Parliament, prompting further discussions about the implications of excluding the CJI from the process. Venugopal sought clarification from the law minister regarding this significant change.
Interim Arrangement Acknowledged
Prasad claimed that Venugopal acknowledged that the selection panel proposed by the Supreme Court was merely an interim arrangement. This admission highlights the ongoing debate about the balance of power between the legislative and judicial branches in India, particularly concerning the appointment of key electoral officials.
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