The Supreme Court (SC) has stated that it was interested in learning whether the appointment involved any “hanky-panky”
New Delhi: The Supreme Court said that the file pertaining to the appointment of Arun Goel as Election Commissioner was cleared very fast. Arun is a 1985 batch IAS officer.
“Vacancy of Election Commissioner arose on May 15 and Arun Goel’s file was cleared at lightning speed,” the Supreme Court said.
The court pointed out: “Minister of Law picks the names from the list of four names shortlisted… The file was put up on November 18; moves the same day. Even PM recommends the name on the same day. We don’t want any confrontation, but was this done in any haste? What’s the tearing hurry?”
When hearing petitions calling for an independent process to choose election commissioners, the Supreme Court’s Constitution bench requested the documents relating to Arun Goel’s recent appointment as the Election Commissioner on Wednesday.
The SC has stated that it was interested in learning whether the appointment involved any “hanky-panky.” The Supreme Court opined that the ruling government “likes to perpetuate itself in power” and can appoint someone under the current system.
Also Read: “Need Election Commissioner Who Can Take Action Even Against PM,” Says Supreme Court, Directs Centre To Produce Documents Of New CEC’s Appointment
Over this, the Centre argued and said that a 1991 Act ensured the Election Commission remains independent in terms of salary and tenure to its members. It further added that there is no “trigger point” which warrants interference from the court.
The Center brought the original file of Arun Goel’s appointment before the SC constitution bench. After this Attorney General R. Venkataramani, speaking on behalf of the Center, asked the Supreme Court to conduct a thorough investigation into the case, reported PTI.
“What kind of evaluation is this. We are not questioning the merits of EC Arun Goel’s credentials but the process of his appointment,” the court said.
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