An impeachment motion seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been rejected by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, bringing an early end to the Opposition’s attempt to initiate proceedings.
The notice, submitted on 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 relevant statutory laws governing the appointment and tenure of election commissioners.
Rare move by Opposition
In a first-of-its-kind step, Opposition parties had moved notices in both Houses of Parliament seeking Kumar’s removal, accusing him of bias and misconduct in office.
Seven charges outlined
The motion listed seven allegations, including claims of partisan conduct, proven misbehaviour, and interference in electoral processes. It also accused the Chief Election Commissioner of obstructing investigations into alleged electoral irregularities and contributing to voter disenfranchisement.
A key issue raised was the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which the Opposition claimed led to the exclusion of eligible voters.
The notice further alleged that Kumar’s actions favoured the ruling party at the Centre, with references to past Supreme Court observations cited in support of the claims.
Motion not admitted
After examining the submission, the Rajya Sabha Chairman declined to admit the motion, effectively stopping the process at the preliminary stage. With the motion rejected, no inquiry or further parliamentary action will follow, marking a setback for the Opposition’s bid to remove the Chief Election Commissioner.
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