The Election Commission of India (ECI) has formally communicated to the Supreme Court its stance regarding the tenure and removal process of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). The ECI argues that to ensure the institutional independence of the election body, the CEC should be protected from arbitrary removal. Specifically, the commission asserts that the process for removing a CEC should mirror the constitutional protections afforded to Supreme Court judges.

Currently, the removal of a Supreme Court judge requires a complex parliamentary process involving a motion supported by a special majority in both houses of Parliament on grounds of proven misbehavior or incapacity. By advocating for this same standard, the ECI is seeking to insulate the head of the election body from potential political pressure or executive interference. This development comes amid ongoing judicial discussions regarding the autonomy of constitutional offices in India. While the ECI’s position is clear in its request for parity with the judiciary, the Supreme Court has yet to issue a final ruling on whether this standard will be formally adopted or mandated for the CEC’s position moving forward.