<p>Need a strong Chief Election Commissioner “with a character” who “doesn’t allow himself to be bulldozed”, remarked the Supreme Court of India&nbsp;while hearing petitions seeking reforms of the country’s poll body.&nbsp;India’s Election Commission consists of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners.</p>

<p>The appointment of the election commissioners is followed as per the procedure established by the Indian Constitution.</p>

<p>According to Article 324(2) of the Constitution, the president appoints CEC and ECs after receiving advice from the Council of Ministers, which also includes the prime minister.</p>

<p>The article states that CEC and ECs would be appointed as per the said procedure until the parliament enacts a law fixing the criteria for selection, conditions of service and tenure. However, no such law has been enacted for the purpose.</p>

<p>The petition seeks a fair and transparent procedure for the appointment of CEC and ECs.</p>

<p>Reacting to the plea, a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice K M Joseph on Tuesday said that there needs to be a system in place so that the "best man" is selected as the CEC, and added that the government pays only "lip service" to the independence of Election Commissioners.</p>

<p>Justice K M Joseph criticised the Union government over the short tenure of CECs, saying, "Their (CECs) tenure is highly truncated and known from the very beginning… In this way, this so-called independence that you pay lip-service to, I am sorry to say, is completely destroyed by getting this kind of a term.”&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Justice Joseph said it has been 72 years since the Constitution was adopted but still there is no law on the appointment of election commissioners, despite being envisaged in the Constitution.</p>

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<p>The court pointed out that the "situation on the ground is alarming" and that it wants a CEC like late T N Seshan, who is known for bringing key electoral reforms as the poll panel chief from 1990 to 1996.</p>

<p>“There have been numerous CECs and T N Seshan happens once in a while. We do not want anyone to bulldoze him. Enormous power has been vested on the fragile shoulder of three men (CEC and two election commissioners). We have to find the best man for the post of CEC," the court said.</p>

<p>The government's counsel, Attorney General for India R Venkataramani, argued that the Centre was in favour of appointing the “best man”, but raised doubts on how it can be done.</p>

<p>"There is no vacuum in the Constitution. Election commissioners are presently appointed by the president on the aid and advice of the council of ministers," he said.</p>

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Need a strong Chief Election Commissioner “with a character” who “doesn’t allow himself to be bulldozed”, remarked the Supreme Court of India while hearing petitions seeking reforms of the country’s poll body.

Need a strong Chief Election Commissioner “with a character” who “doesn’t allow himself to be bulldozed”, remarked the Supreme Court of India while hearing petitions seeking reforms of the country’s poll body. India’s Election Commission consists of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners. The appointment of the election commissioners is followed as per the procedure established by the Indian Constitution. According to Article 324(2) of the Constitution, the president appoints CEC and ECs after receiving advice from the Council of Ministers, which also includes the prime minister. The article states that CEC and ECs would be appointed as per the said procedure until the parliament enacts a law fixing the criteria for selection, conditions of service and tenure. However, no such law has been enacted for the purpose. The petition seeks a fair and transparent procedure for the appointment of CEC and ECs. Reacting to the plea, a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice K M Joseph on Tuesday said that there needs to be a system in place so that the "best man" is selected as the CEC, and added that the government pays only "lip service" to the independence of Election Commissioners. Justice K M Joseph criticised the Union government over the short tenure of CECs, saying, "Their (CECs) tenure is highly truncated and known from the very beginning… In this way, this so-called independence that you pay lip-service to, I am sorry to say, is completely destroyed by getting this kind of a term.” Also read | Australian parliament ratifies free trade agreement with India Justice Joseph said it has been 72 years since the Constitution was adopted but still there is no law on the appointment of election commissioners, despite being envisaged in the Constitution. Also read | India: Couple pen heartfelt note to Army in wedding invite; here's how Army responded The court pointed out that the "situation on the ground is alarming" and that it wants a CEC like late T N Seshan, who is known for bringing key electoral reforms as the poll panel chief from 1990 to 1996. “There have been numerous CECs and T N Seshan happens once in a while. We do not want anyone to bulldoze him. Enormous power has been vested on the fragile shoulder of three men (CEC and two election commissioners). We have to find the best man for the post of CEC," the court said. The government's counsel, Attorney General for India R Venkataramani, argued that the Centre was in favour of appointing the “best man”, but raised doubts on how it can be done. "There is no vacuum in the Constitution. Election commissioners are presently appointed by the president on the aid and advice of the council of ministers," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Need people like TN Seshan’: Indian apex court bats for strong election commission

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<p>Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) TN Seshan died in Chennai following a cardiac arrest on Sunday night.</p>

<p>"Sad to announce that Shri TN Seshan (former Chief Election Commissioner of India) passed away a short while ago. He was a true legend and a guiding force for all his successors. I pray for peace to his soul," tweeted Dr SY Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner of India.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sad to announce that Shri TN Seshan passed away a short while ago. He was a true legend and a guiding force for all his successors. I pray for peace to his soul.</p>
— Dr. S.Y. Quraishi (@DrSYQuraishi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSYQuraishi/status/1193577464636665856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 87-year-old was the 10th CEC and had served form December 12, 1990, till December 11, 1996.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the demise of Seshan.</p>

<p>"Shri TN Seshan was an outstanding civil servant. He served India with utmost diligence and integrity. His efforts towards electoral reforms have made our democracy stronger and more participative. Pained by his demise. Om Shanti," tweeted PM Modi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shri TN Seshan was an outstanding civil servant. He served India with utmost diligence and integrity. His efforts towards electoral reforms have made our democracy stronger and more participative. Pained by his demise. Om Shanti.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1193593693199929344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Saddened by the demise of former Chief Election Commissioner, Shri T N Seshan Ji. He played a transformative role in reforming and strengthening India`s electoral institution. The nation will always remember him as a true torchbearer of democracy. My prayers are with his family," tweeted Shah.</p>

<p>Seshan was a retired 1955 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Tamil Nadu cadre.&nbsp;</p>


Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) TN Seshan died in Chennai following a cardiac arrest on Sunday night. "Sad to announce that Shri TN Seshan (former Chief Election Commissioner of India) passed away a short while ago.

Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) TN Seshan died in Chennai following a cardiac arrest on Sunday night. "Sad to announce that Shri TN Seshan (former Chief Election Commissioner of India) passed away a short while ago. He was a true legend and a guiding force for all his successors. I pray for peace to his soul," tweeted Dr SY Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner of India. Sad to announce that Shri TN Seshan passed away a short while ago. He was a true legend and a guiding force for all his successors. I pray for peace to his soul. — Dr. S.Y. Quraishi (@DrSYQuraishi) November 10, 2019 × The 87-year-old was the 10th CEC and had served form December 12, 1990, till December 11, 1996. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the demise of Seshan. "Shri TN Seshan was an outstanding civil servant. He served India with utmost diligence and integrity. His efforts towards electoral reforms have made our democracy stronger and more participative. Pained by his demise. Om Shanti," tweeted PM Modi. Shri TN Seshan was an outstanding civil servant. He served India with utmost diligence and integrity. His efforts towards electoral reforms have made our democracy stronger and more participative. Pained by his demise. Om Shanti. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 10, 2019 × "Saddened by the demise of former Chief Election Commissioner, Shri T N Seshan Ji. He played a transformative role in reforming and strengthening India`s electoral institution. The nation will always remember him as a true torchbearer of democracy. My prayers are with his family," tweeted Shah. Seshan was a retired 1955 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Tamil Nadu cadre.

Former Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan dies after cardiac arrest in Chennai

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‘Need people like TN Seshan’: Indian apex court bats for strong election commission

Former Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan dies after cardiac arrest in Chennai