New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the two Election Commissioners over allegations that several key decisions were taken in the Commission’s name without the approval of the full panel. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, directed the respondents to file their replies within one week. However, the court refused to suspend the Chief Election Commissioner or grant any interim relief, stating that such a move could disrupt the functioning of the Election Commission and affect the conduct of elections.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that important decisions, including those related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, were allegedly taken without the consent of the other two Election Commissioners. He requested the court to direct the ECI to take decisions only through unanimous agreement or by majority. The bench responded that the existing law already requires the Commission to follow the prescribed decision-making process and observed that if any violation is established, the court has the authority to invalidate those decisions. The judges also emphasized that no interim conclusions could be drawn without first hearing the Election Commission’s version.
The petition seeks a declaration that no decision can be treated as an official act of the Election Commission unless it is supported by the full Commission or approved by a majority in case of disagreement. It also relies on reports claiming that the two Election Commissioners raised objections to several decisions taken between October 2025 and August 2026 without their approval. A separate petition has additionally sought the cancellation of those disputed decisions and demanded an independent investigation into the matter. The Supreme Court will consider the case further after receiving responses from the Election Commission and the concerned officials.
