In what could become a first-of-its-kind move in India’s parliamentary history, the opposition INDIA bloc is likely to move an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar in Parliament on Thursday, according to sources.

The proposed motion is currently being discussed among opposition parties, and a final decision on the procedural details is expected later in the day.

If introduced, it would mark one of the most significant challenges ever mounted against the head of the Election Commission of India.

Motion May Be Introduced in Both Houses

According to sources familiar with the developments, opposition parties are considering introducing the impeachment motion in both Houses of Parliament — the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

However, the opposition has not yet made a final decision on whether the motion will be submitted in one House or simultaneously in both Houses.

Sources indicated that consultations among leaders of various opposition parties are ongoing and the final strategy is expected to be finalised soon.

Once the decision is made, the formal notice for the motion will be submitted in Parliament on Thursday.

INDIA Bloc Parties Working Together

The move is being coordinated collectively by the INDIA alliance, a coalition of several opposition parties.

A senior leader from the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), who has been involved in drafting the notice, described the initiative as a joint effort by opposition groups.

“The drafting and planning has truly been a team effort by all like-minded parties. The execution in both Houses will also be full teamwork,” the leader said while speaking to PTI.

The TMC leader also criticised the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that he had “totally degraded the great seat he occupies.”

Congress and Other Parties to Support the Motion

Sources from the Congress party confirmed that the party would support the proposed impeachment motion.

Several other parties in the INDIA bloc have also indicated their willingness to back the initiative.

Opposition leaders have reportedly worked together to prepare the draft notice, which will be circulated among MPs for signatures before it is submitted.

Signature Requirement for the Motion

Under parliamentary rules, a minimum number of MPs must sign the notice before a motion seeking the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner can be admitted.

The requirements are:

• At least 100 Members of Parliament from the Lok Sabha, and

• At least 50 Members of Parliament from the Rajya Sabha

Once the required signatures are obtained, the notice can be formally submitted to the presiding officer of the respective House.

Procedure for Removing the Chief Election Commissioner

The process for removing the Chief Election Commissioner of India is deliberately designed to be strict in order to protect the independence of the Election Commission.

According to the law governing the appointment and removal of election commissioners, the CEC cannot be removed through a simple parliamentary vote.

Instead, the procedure is similar to the process used to remove judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts.

Under the law:

• The removal must be based on “proven misbehaviour or incapacity.”

• A motion must be introduced in Parliament.

• The motion must be passed with a special majority.

Special Majority Requirement

For the motion to succeed, it must meet a special majority threshold in Parliament.

This means it must receive:

1. A majority of the total membership of the House, and

2. A two-thirds majority of the members present and voting

This high threshold ensures that the removal of a constitutional authority like the Chief Election Commissioner cannot occur without broad political consensus.

Legal Protection for the CEC

The law governing the Election Commission states that the Chief Election Commissioner enjoys protection similar to that of a Supreme Court judge when it comes to removal from office.

According to the statute:

“The Chief Election Commissioner shall not be removed from office except in the like manner and on the like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.”

Additionally, other election commissioners cannot be removed from office unless the CEC recommends their removal.

These safeguards are intended to maintain the independence and impartial functioning of the Election Commission.

Political Implications

If the opposition proceeds with the impeachment motion, it could trigger significant political debate in Parliament.

The Election Commission plays a crucial role in conducting elections and maintaining democratic processes in India, making the position of Chief Election Commissioner one of the country’s most important constitutional offices.

Any attempt to remove the CEC is therefore likely to draw intense scrutiny and political reactions from both the ruling government and opposition parties.

Conclusion

The opposition INDIA bloc’s plan to move an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar represents a potentially historic development in Indian parliamentary politics.

With opposition parties coordinating to gather the required signatures, the coming days could see a major constitutional debate unfold in Parliament.

Whether the motion proceeds and how the government responds will likely shape the political discourse around electoral institutions and parliamentary procedures in the weeks ahead.

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