Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s clarification on the rules for a fresh impeachment motion, and the parliamentary procedure governing such a proposal. It should distinguish between a political demand, a motion being submitted, and a motion being formally admitted.
Om Birla says a fresh motion will follow parliamentary rules.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has said that any fresh motion seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar will be examined according to established parliamentary rules and procedures. His remarks, made on October 22, 2026, came amid renewed opposition protests over the Election Commission’s handling of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Birla indicated that Parliament would follow the prescribed process if a fresh notice were formally submitted. His statement does not mean that a new motion has been admitted or that proceedings to remove Kumar have begun.
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Why Is the Opposition Seeking Gyanesh Kumar’s Removal?
The controversy centers on allegations concerning the SIR exercise, which involves revising electoral rolls. Opposition parties have raised concerns about the conduct of the revision process and called for Kumar’s resignation.The issue has gained further attention following reports of disagreements within the Election Commission over decisions related to the exercise. These concerns have fuelled political protests and renewed calls for parliamentary action. The allegations remain contested and should not be treated as established findings of wrongdoing.
What happened in the previous removal attempts?
Reports indicate that Opposition parties have made two earlier attempts to initiate removal proceedings against Kumar. Notices submitted during the first attempt were rejected by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, while notices from the second attempt remained pending in the Upper House, according to reports published on October 22, 2026.
What Are the Rules for Removing the Chief Election Commissioner?
The Constitution provides the Chief Election Commissioner with protection against removal similar to that of a Supreme Court judge. Removal requires a special parliamentary procedure based on proven misbehavior or incapacity.
The process involves several stages:
- Submission of a notice: Members of Parliament must initiate the process under the applicable rules.
- Examination and admission: The competent parliamentary authority considers whether the notice meets the prescribed requirements.
- Investigation: If the motion is admitted, a committee examines the allegations under the applicable legal procedure.
- Parliamentary approval: The required special majorities in both Houses must be secured during the same session for removal to proceed.
