The Rajya Sabha Chairman and the Lok Sabha Speaker have rejected a notice moved by 193 Opposition MPs seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The notice, submitted on 12 March, was signed by 63 Rajya Sabha members and 130 Lok Sabha members. It accused the CEC of being subservient to the executive and alleged abuse of constitutional office. The rejection was communicated through bulletins issued by the Secretaries-General of both Houses during the Budget Session.
Notice Against the CEC
The impeachment-style notice sought action against the Chief Election Commissioner under constitutional and statutory provisions. The Opposition members alleged serious misconduct and misuse of office. The document ran into 10 pages and made multiple charges against the CEC’s conduct and independence.
Grounds for Rejection
The Chairs of both Houses did not cite specific reasons in public. The bulletins stated that the notice was examined through a careful and objective assessment of all relevant aspects. The decision was taken under Section 3 of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. This provision allows the Speaker or the Rajya Sabha Chair to admit or refuse such a motion after due consultation and consideration of available material.
Parliamentary Procedure
Under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, a motion for removal of certain constitutional functionaries requires scrutiny before admission. The Chair has discretion at the preliminary stage. If admitted, the motion can proceed through the prescribed inquiry process. If refused, the matter ends at the threshold itself.
Political Reaction
Opposition leaders criticised the rejection and questioned the absence of a detailed explanation. They argued that Parliament should have been given a clearer reason for the decision. The issue has also revived debate on the independence of constitutional authorities and the scope of parliamentary oversight.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026