TopicElection Commission
The Election Commission of India
The three-member body that runs India's elections, the dispute over how its members are chosen, and the opposition's attempts to remove the Chief Election Commissioner.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) conducts India’s elections and orders the revision of electoral rolls. In its own words, it “operates as a multi-member constitutional body”. It has three members: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, whose tenure runs to 26 January 2029, and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
Where things stand
Much of the current dispute concerns the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. On 23 September the Indian Express reported that Sandhu and Joshi objected on record at least 14 times in 10 months to SIR decisions. The ECI replied that written notes are standard practice and its decisions were unanimous. Opposition parties, which have twice moved to remove the CEC, say a third notice is being drafted. Delhi Police registered FIRs against opposition leaders after protests on 6 and 7 October; no court has ruled on them. The law on how Commissioners are appointed is headed to a Constitution Bench.
Three things to watch next: whether the Chief Justice sets up the Constitution Bench on the appointment law, the Supreme Court’s next hearing on who modified Form 6 and whether the CEC can act alone on the Commission’s powers, and whether opposition parties file their third removal notice. The second notice, signed by 73 MPs with nine charges, has been pending in the Rajya Sabha since 24 April.
Key dates
- 2 Mar 2023Supreme Court puts the Chief Justice on the selection panel until Parliament legislates.
- Dec 2023Parliament passes a law replacing the Chief Justice with a Cabinet minister.
- Feb 2025Gyanesh Kumar appointed CEC; Rahul Gandhi files a dissent note.
- 6 Apr 2026First removal notices against the CEC refused admission.
- 24 Apr 2026Second notice filed in the Rajya Sabha; pending.
- 23 Sep 2026Dissent report; Supreme Court bench sends appointment-law challenge to the CJI for a Constitution Bench.
- 5 Oct 2026Supreme Court says it has not approved any modification to Form 6 and issues notice on a plea over the CEC's powers.
Key numbers
- 3members of the Commission
- 14objections by two Commissioners in 10 months, as reported by the Indian Express
- 193MPs who signed the March 2026 removal notices (130 LS, 63 RS)
Key questions
Who appoints the CEC? The President, on the advice of a committee of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and a Cabinet minister picked by the Prime Minister. See our explainer.
Can the CEC be removed? Only like a Supreme Court judge, for proven misbehaviour or incapacity, by a special majority in both Houses.
Did the Election Commissioners dissent? The Indian Express reported they objected 14 times. The ECI says differing views are part of deliberation and every final decision was unanimous.
Should dissent be published? That is our editorial view; read the argument.