Overview

• Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigned citing personal reasons, just before the announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha election dates, leaving the Election Commission with only one member.
• The resignation has sparked concerns and criticism from opposition parties, highlighting a systematic erosion of independent institutions and questioning the fairness of the upcoming elections.
• A new law enacted last year changed the appointment process for the country's top election officers, excluding the Chief Justice of India from the selection process.
• A Supreme Court petition seeks to restrain the Centre from appointing new Election Commissioners, citing a 2023 order for a more transparent appointment process.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to chair a key meeting on March 15 to appoint two new Election Commissioners.