CJI Khanna Recuses from Key Election Case

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna recused himself from hearing petitions challenging the 2023 law that removed the Chief Justice from the panel appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners. The new legislation, passed in December 2023, assigns the appointment responsibilities to a committee led by the Prime Minister, including a Cabinet Minister and the Leader of Opposition. This move has been contested by several parties, including Congress leader Jaya Thakur and various NGOs, who argue it undermines the independence of the Election Commission. The petitions will now be reassigned to a different bench and are set to be heard after the winter break in January 2025. Previously, a Supreme Court bench, including Justice Khanna, had issued interim orders in this matter but refused to stay the new appointments. The central government and the Election Commission have been asked to respond to the petitions in the interim.