Overview
On 23 September 2026, opposition parties in India called for the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar after a report by the Indian Express alleged that two of the three Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, had formally recorded objections at least 14 times in the past ten months. The commissioners said major decisions were taken in the name of the Election Commission without their knowledge, labeling many of them “unauthorised and illegal”.
Key Developments
- Opposition parties, led by the CJP, demanded the CEC’s resignation within 48 hours.
- The CJP warned of a nationwide agitation, reminiscent of the Jantar Mantar protest of June 2026, if the demand is ignored.
- The Election Commission responded that all its actions complied with law and that highlighting selective internal notes gives only “one part of the picture”.
Important Facts
The report indicates that the two commissioners raised objections on at least 14 occasions over a ten‑month period. They claim that decisions were taken in the name of the full commission without their consent, which they termed “unauthorised and illegal”. The commission’s statement emphasised that a larger body of approvals, instructions and initiatives exists beyond the highlighted notes.
Exam Relevance
This episode touches upon several UPSC syllabus areas:
- Polity (GS2): The constitutional status, independence, and internal functioning of the Election Commission and the role of the CEC.
- Governance & Accountability (GS4): Mechanisms for internal dissent, checks and balances within constitutional bodies, and the role of opposition parties in demanding accountability.
- Media & Society (GS1): The impact of investigative journalism, exemplified by the Indian Express, in shaping public discourse.
Way Forward
For aspirants, it is important to monitor how the commission addresses the internal objections. Possible steps include:
- Formation of an independent review committee to examine the alleged unauthorised decisions.
- Parliamentary oversight through a special committee to ensure transparency.
- Strengthening procedural safeguards so that all three commissioners must co‑sign major orders, thereby reducing unilateral actions.
Understanding these dynamics will help answer questions on institutional integrity, democratic accountability, and the role of media in governance.