Rajya Sabha Passes Bill To Regulate Appointment Of Election Commissioners

The Rajya Sabha passed the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. This legislation, introduced on August 10, seeks to regulate the appointment, terms, and conditions for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners (EC) while outlining the Election Commission's functioning. 

Key provisions include replacing the 1991 Election Commission Act, specifying the appointment process, salary, and removal of CEC and ECs. The president appoints them based on a committee's recommendation, with an amendment addressing concerns over pay disparity and introducing safeguards against legal proceedings during their tenure. 

The Bill excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee, deviating from a previous Supreme Court ruling. The passage of the bill in the Rajya Sabha faced opposition protests citing executive overreach and erosion of the election commission's independence.