The Supreme Court on Monday heard pleas challenging how Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar takes decisions. The bench said it cannot pass orders based on newspaper reports. The court issued a notice to the Election Commission and Centre, saying, "We would definitely want their response" within one week from today.
New Delhi:
The Supreme Court on Monday heard a batch of pleas seeking suspension of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and challenging the manner in which the poll panel led by him took decisions, allegedly without the approval of two election commissioners -- Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said it cannot pass an order based on a newspaper report, and will need a response from the Election Commission before deciding if Kumar can single-handedly exercise powers constitutionally designated for the entire multi-member poll panel.
The court issued a notice to Election Commission and the Centre, seeking their responses in a week.
Here Are Supreme Court's Top Observations
"A news report may be 100% correct, partially correct or incorrect. We cannot pass an order on that basis today. We would definitely want their response."
"If any decision taken by Election Commission is found not to be in accordance with law, then we will annul it."
"Decisions of Election Commission have to be either unanimous or by majority."
"We presume that decisions are taken by Election Commission as per law."
"Any modified Form 6 has not been approved by us. Let's be clear. When record has produced, we would like to see who has modified."