"A political controversy is sought to be created”: Central Government Dismisses Claims of Bias in Election Commissioner Appointments

The central government on Wednesday submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court opposing a series of petitions seeking a stay on the Election Commissioners Act. The affidavit alleged an attempt to stir controversy over the appointment of election commissioners. Within its 138-page submission, the Centre contended that certain statements were “unsupported” and “pernicious”, dismissing any insinuations of bias or hidden agendas behind the appointment of poll panel officials.

"A political controversy is sought to be created only on the basis of bare, unsupported and pernicious statements about certain vague and unspecified motives behind the appointment. Where no question has been raised about the qualifications of candidates to hold a constitutional post nor has any material been brought on record to show that the candidates are unfit for office, no prima facie case can be said to have been made out," reads the affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court.

In addition, the central government refuted allegations that the appointment of two election commissioners on March 14 was hastily executed to preempt any orders from the top court. The affidavit explained that due to the upcoming national general election and simultaneous elections in four states, it was impractical for one Chief Election Commissioner to handle the extensive responsibilities alone. Thus, the appointment of two commissioners was necessary to effectively manage the electoral process.

Congress leader Jaya Thakur had last week filed a plea in the Supreme Court seeking to prevent the government from appointing top officials of the Election Commission of India (ECI), including the Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners. Former Election Commissioner Arun Goel's unexpected resignation on March 9, shortly before the announcement of Lok Sabha election dates, sparked speculation. In the aftermath of Goel's resignation, former IAS officers Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Sandhu were appointed as election commissioners on March 16. They were appointed by a selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.