Congress MP Questions Election Commission's Functioning After Supreme Court Refuses Interim Order

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has questioned the functioning of the Election Commission after the Supreme Court refused to grant an interim order seeking immediate suspension of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He also raised concerns about changes in SIR Form 6 and Form 7 and the way the Election Commission takes decisions. The Supreme Court on Monday, October 5, did not order Gyanesh Kumar's immediate removal or stay on his functioning. The court has sought responses from the central government, the Election Commission, Gyanesh Kumar, and other election commissioners. The matter will be heard next on October 13. Karti Chidambaram said that serious questions are being raised in political parties and civil society about the functioning of the Election Commission. He said that the biggest question is whether the decisions of the Election Commission are being taken in accordance with the Constitution and the law. He also questioned whether the decisions of the Commission are being taken with the consent of the three election commissioners or on the basis of the majority. He alleged that if the decisions have been taken on behalf of the Chief Election Commissioner alone, then the Supreme Court has not really concluded the political decisions.