Fresh move to oust CEC Gyanesh Kumar gains pace

• By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
• Apr 19, 2026
• 566

The opposition has renewed efforts to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with several parties reportedly holding discussions to initiate fresh proceedings.

Sources indicate that around five senior leaders are working on drafting a new notice. A similar attempt was made in March, but the notices were rejected by Om Birla and C. P. Radhakrishnan, who said the आरोप did not meet the constitutional threshold required for removal.

This time, the opposition is aiming to secure the backing of at least 200 MPs. The move comes in the backdrop of the recent defeat of the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, also known as the Women’s Reservation Bill, in the Lok Sabha, where 230 MPs voted against it.

As per procedure, a motion to remove the CEC requires signatures from at least 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha. The removal process is similar to that of a Supreme Court judge, while other Election Commissioners can be removed based on the recommendation of the CEC.

Under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, if notices are submitted in both Houses on the same day, a joint inquiry committee is formed only after both Houses adopt the motion. The committee is then constituted by the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman.