An impeachment motion seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been rejected by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha after due consideration.
Members were informed that a notice of motion dated March 12, 2026, signed by 63 Members of the Rajya Sabha under Article 324(5) of the Constitution of India, read with Article 124(4), Section 11(2) of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, had been submitted seeking Kumar’s removal.
In a first, the opposition has submitted notices in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha seeking to move a motion to remove Kumar from the post, alleging a partisan attitude.
OPPOSITION LISTS SEVEN CHARGES
The notice lists seven charges against Kumar. These include allegations of “partial and discriminatory conduct in office”, “proven misbehaviour”, “deliberate obstruction of investigation of electoral fraud”, and “mass disenfranchisement”.
Among the key issues cited by the Opposition is the manner in which the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was handled in Bihar. The Opposition has alleged that the process led to the disenfranchisement of voters.
The notice also claims that the CEC acted in a partisan manner favouring certain political parties. Several Supreme Court judgments have also been cited in support of the allegations, sources said.
Opposition parties have accused Kumar of aiding the ruling BJP on several occasions, particularly in connection with the ongoing SIR exercise, which they allege is intended to benefit the party at the Centre.
– Ends
Published By:
Akshat Trivedi
Published On:
Apr 6, 2026 20:22 IST
