Oppositions Push to Remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar: What You Need to Know

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat October 23, 2026, 11:59 am 3 min read

New Delhi, October 23: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stated on Thursday that if the opposition presents a new proposal to remove Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, it will be considered. He emphasized that upon receiving a notice, an investigation will be conducted according to established rules and procedures.

The opposition has issued notices to remove Gyanesh Kumar twice so far. Notices submitted in April 2026 to both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were dismissed by Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan. A decision on the second notice, submitted in the Rajya Sabha, is still pending. The government may convene a special session of Parliament this month, during which the opposition could introduce a third proposal.

Various organizations, including the opposition, are demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, alleging discrepancies in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. Protests have occurred in several regions, including Jaipur, Rajasthan, where Congress has actively participated. Opposition leaders approached the Supreme Court regarding this matter on October 12.

How CEC Can Be Removed Like a Supreme Court Judge

Under Article 324(5) of the Constitution, the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge. This requires a proposal to be passed in both houses of Parliament, with two conditions needing to be met in each house.

The first condition is a majority of the total membership of the house, meaning more than half of the members present must support the proposal. The second condition requires at least two-thirds of those who vote to be in favor of the proposal.

If all members are present and vote, the following number of votes is required for the proposal to pass:
– Lok Sabha: 543 total members, 272 for majority, 362 for two-thirds
– Rajya Sabha: 245 total members, 123 for majority, 164 for two-thirds

These numbers may vary slightly depending on vacant seats.

The grounds for removal include proven misconduct and inability to perform duties. However, mere protests or demands for resignation do not suffice.

The first step in this process involves issuing a notice. According to the Judges (Inquiry) Act of 1968, the notice for removal must be signed by at least 100 Lok Sabha members or 50 Rajya Sabha members. The Lok Sabha Speaker or Rajya Sabha Chairman then decides whether to accept the proposal. The notices issued by the opposition in April 2026 were rejected at this stage.

Three-Member Committee Investigates Allegations

If the proposal is accepted, the Lok Sabha Speaker or Rajya Sabha Chairman forms a three-member inquiry committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act of 1968. This committee comprises a Supreme Court judge, a Chief Justice of a High Court, and a distinguished expert in law. The committee investigates the allegations and submits a report. Even if the allegations are proven, the proposal must still be passed by a majority in both houses, after which the President issues the removal order.

Related News

Opposition Meeting at Rahul Gandhi‘s Residence: “Taking Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation is Our Mission”
Opposition Approaches Supreme Court Against SIR: Leaders from 10 Parties as Petitioners
Protests in Jaipur Demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation, Leaders of the India Alliance Gather at Collectorate Circle

Author Profile

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat: My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.