NationalTuesday, 27 October 2026·The Hindu - National
ECI tells Supreme Court: CEC removal must follow same process as Supreme Court judge
The Election Commission told the Supreme Court that the CEC can be removed only on grounds and in the manner identical to a Supreme Court judge.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On October 26, 2026, the Election Commission of India filed a nearly 250-page joint affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge.
Key specifics
- The affidavit was filed by the Election Commission of India, CEC Gyanesh Kumar, and the two Election Commissioners.
- The document was nearly 250 pages and was filed on October 26, 2026.
- Section 18 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 was cited for majority-based decisions.
- The affidavit said decisions are vetted by both Election Commissioners before reaching the CEC.
- It also referred to office orders dated July 28, 2026 and letters written on July 29, 2026 to the Cabinet Secretary.
Exam lens
Polity and constitutional bodies question, CEC removal, Article-like protection compared with Supreme Court judge, Section 18 of the 2023 Act, and majority decision-making in the Election Commission are the key TNPSC points.