An impeachment motion seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been rejected by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha after consideration.
The notice, dated March 12, 2026, was signed by 63 members of the Upper House and invoked provisions under Article 324(5) of the Constitution of India, read with Article 124(4) of the Constitution of India, along with the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
This marks a rare instance where the Opposition attempted to initiate removal proceedings against a sitting Chief Election Commissioner in both Houses of Parliament, alleging bias in the discharge of duties.
Opposition flags multiple allegations
In its notice, the Opposition outlined seven charges against Kumar, including claims of partisan functioning, misconduct, and interference in electoral processes. Allegations also included obstruction in probing electoral irregularities and actions leading to voter exclusion.
A major point of contention cited was the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Opposition parties alleged that the exercise resulted in the disenfranchisement of a section of voters.
The notice further accused the CEC of acting in a manner that favoured the ruling party at the Centre, a charge backed, according to sources, by references to past Supreme Court observations in election-related matters.
Motion rejected
After reviewing the submission, the Rajya Sabha Chairman declined to admit the motion, effectively halting the process at the initial stage.
The rejection means no formal inquiry or further parliamentary proceedings on the proposed removal will take place, bringing the Opposition’s attempt to unseat the Chief Election Commissioner to an end for now.
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