Overview

• The Supreme Court of India will hear petitions on May 14, 2025, challenging the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners under the 2023 law.
• Petitioners claim the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel compromises the independence of the Election Commission and violates constitutional principles.
• The 2023 law replaced the earlier selection process, centralizing control with the executive and removing judicial oversight in appointments.
• Gyanesh Kumar, appointed as Chief Election Commissioner in February 2025, is the first to hold the position under the new law, which has sparked significant legal and political debate.
• The petitions reference the 2023 Constitution bench verdict and the Anoop Baranwal case, which emphasized the need for a high-level, independent selection committee to ensure free and fair elections.