The Association for Democratic Reforms on Monday filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking formation of a “neutral and independent collegium or selection committee” for the appointment of members of the Election Commission, Bar and Bench reported.
The practice of the central government appointing the members of the Election Commission violates Articles 14 and 324(2) of the Constitution, the non-government organisation said in its plea.
Article 14 of the Constitution deals with Right to Equality, whereas Article 324(2) gives the President the power to appoint members of the poll body.
The Association for Democratic Reforms, in its petition, submitted that the appointment of members of the Election Commission is done “on the whims and fancies of the executive” and “violates the very foundation on which it was created, thus, making the Commission a branch of the executive”.
The plea, filed through Senior Advocate Prashant Bhushan, added that the poll body,…