Why is it in the news?

• The Supreme Court has agreed to urgently hear a plea regarding the filling of two vacancies for Election Commissioners (ECs) in the Election Commission of India (ECI).
• The plea raises concerns that the Centre might gain an “unfair advantage” in the appointment process, especially following the unexpected resignation of Arun Goel ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

More about the news

• The NGO, Association for Democratic Reforms, has filed the plea urging to put the new law on hold, which pertains to the appointments of ECs.
• ADR argues that the Chief Justice of India (CJI) should be reinstated in the selection committee for EC appointments, as directed by a previous Supreme Court judgment in the Anoop Baranwal case of March 2, 2023.
• The NGO expresses concerns about the potential for executive interference in EC appointments, particularly with the government’s dominant role in the selection process under the new law.
• It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the independence and neutrality of the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections in the country.