The government has made key changes to the controversial Bill for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners in 2023.

This move follows adjustments made to address the contentious aspects of the bill, which had sparked controversy among opposition members.

The bill drew criticism from the opposition, alleging that the government overlooked a crucial aspect of a Supreme Court ruling mandating the establishment of a high-profile selection panel for appointing Chief Election Commissioners and Election Commissioners.

Earlier this year, the apex court considered petitions advocating for a collegium-like system to appoint these officials. In its directive, the Supreme Court instructed the government to constitute a panel comprising the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, and the Opposition leader for appointing key Election officers in the country.

Initially, the Union Cabinet endorsed the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. However, the bill faced criticism from its inception. Notably, the government substituted the Chief Justice of India with a Union Minister in the selection panel, and the job conditions of Election Commissioners were elevated to align with those of a Cabinet Secretary, departing from the earlier status equivalent to a Supreme Court judge.

Responding to demands from opposition parties and former Election Commissioners, the government has decided to maintain the status of Election Commissioners at par with Supreme Court judges. Despite this, no apparent modification has been made to the contentious issue of retaining a Union Minister on the selection panel, rather than reinstating the Chief Justice of India's role.

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