'They must be neutral', SC takes on Centre over appointments in Election Commission

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre as to why there is no enabling law for the appointment of Election Commissioners in the poll panel. 

The top court agreed to accord final hearing on Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging that till now political executives have been appointing Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) in poll panel.

The court was hearing the PIL seeking constitution of a committee comprising of Leader of Opposition and Chief Justice of India for appointment of election commissioners.

"Till now the appointments have been fair and transparent but we feel there is no procedure as such," the court observed.

In 2015, the plea had sought a direction to Centre 'to make law for ensuring a fair, just and transparent process of selection by constituting a neutral and independent collegium/ selection committee to recommend the name for the appointment of member to the Election Commission'.

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'.

The plea had alleged that the Centre's practice in appointing the member of Election Commission was discriminatory and violative of law, which obligate executive/legislature to make law for ensuring a fair, just and transparent selection process for Election Commission.