SC Judge Flags Executive Dominance in Election Commissioner Appointment Process

A Supreme Court judge has raised concerns about the law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. The judge remarked that the presence of the Leader of Opposition in the selection panel is merely 'ornamental' in nature. The observation highlights that the current appointment framework gives the executive disproportionate and overwhelming power over the process. The judge pointed to structural drawbacks in the existing law that undermine the independence of the selection mechanism. The remarks have renewed debate over ensuring genuine checks and balances in appointing members to India's top electoral body.