India's New Chief Election Commissioner to Be Selected Under Contested Appointment Law

A PM-led panel is set to meet Monday to finalize the next CEC, as critics question the law's impact on the Election Commission's independence.

The selection committee, led by Prime Minister Modi, will meet on February 17 to recommend a successor for outgoing Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, whose term ends February 18.
The new Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023, has removed the Chief Justice of India from the panel, replacing them with a Union Cabinet Minister.
Critics argue the new law undermines the Election Commission's independence by increasing executive control over appointments.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has questioned the judiciary's role in executive appointments, reigniting debates over the separation of powers in India.
The Supreme Court is set to review the constitutional validity of the 2023 Act on February 19, with concerns raised about its potential to dilute judicial oversight.