Fresh Motion To Remove CEC Will Follow Rules: Birla
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said any fresh motion seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar would be examined in accordance with established rules and procedures.
New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said any fresh motion seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar would be examined in accordance with established rules and procedures.
His remarks came amid continuing Opposition protests against Kumar over alleged irregularities in the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
"If any fresh notice comes, we will see and examine it accordingly under rules and procedures," Mr Birla told a press conference when asked about the possibility of another motion seeking the CEC's removal.
The Opposition has made two attempts to remove Kumar.
Notices submitted in the first attempt were rejected by the presiding officers of both Houses of Parliament, while the notice submitted in the second attempt remains pending in the Rajya Sabha.
Protests have been held in several parts of the country over the past fortnight demanding Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision exercise.
Under the Constitution and the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the CEC can be removed from office only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge.
The removal requires an address by each House of Parliament, supported by a majority of its total membership and at least two-thirds of the members present and voting, followed by an order of the President.
The grounds for removal are proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
The 2023 Act also allows the CEC and other Election Commissioners to resign by submitting a written resignation to the President.
