SC seeks government and EC's view on plea for panel to select CEC, ECs

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today sought responses of the Centre and Election Commission of India on a plea seeking foramtion of a "neutral and independent selection committee" to recommend names for post of Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.

A bench headed by Chief Justice HL Dattu issued notice to the government and the EC and sought their response within four weeks on the contention that the prevalent practice of appointing a member of poll panel was discriminatory and violative of law, which obligated the executive and legislature to make law for ensuring a fair, just and transparent selection process for Election Commission.

The PIL, filed by advocate Arun Baranwal and argued by noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan, submitted that appointment process of the Election Commissioners needs to be made independent and there should be a committee of Chief Justice of India, Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition for their selection.

It also sought direction to the Centre for constituting "an interim neutral and independent collegium/selection committee to recommend the names for the appointment on the vacant post of members to the Election Commission".