Just days ahead of Lok Sabha elections, Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigned on March 9 evening. President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation.
However, his appointment had created a stir as questions were raised about the process.
Goel said he had taken voluntary retirement on November 18, 2022. But the very next day he was named the Election Commissioner. The swift development evoked criticism from the Supreme Court. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), an independent electoral watchdog, challenged his appointment at the top court. The ADR alleged that Goel’s appointment was “arbitrary and violative of institutional integrity and independence of the Election Commission”.
The court asked why there was a “tearing hurry” to appoint Goel. "Minister of Law picks up four names from the list of names shortlisted… Even the PM recommends the name on the same day. We don't want any confrontation, but was this done in any haste. What's the tearing hurry," the court had asked.
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A two-judge bench later dismissed a petition challenging his appointment. It had cited a previous decision by a Constitution Bench.
His tenure as Election Commissioner was expected to last until 2027. Goel was in line to succeed Rajiv Kumar as the Chief Election Commissioner after the latter’s retirement.
Goel had also held various positions in the central government. During his tenure as the heavy industries secretary, he had been involved with the e-vehicle policy and production-linked incentive scheme for the auto industry. He served in the central government in 2011, with stints in the Urban Development, Finance, Labour and Culture ministries.
In the early days of his career, he also worked in the Punjab government. He was part of the master plan of New Chandigarh and contributed to implementing power reforms in the state. Goel also played a key role in unbundling the electricity board into corporations . According to Indian Express, he introduced an e-tendering system that helped the state exchequer increase savings to 25 percent. He also conducted the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Ludhiana (1995-2000) and Bathinda (1993-94).
The reason for Goyal’s resignation is not yet known.
What happens next?
Under the new Chief Election Commisioner and other Election Commisioner (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Terms of Office)Act,2023. the Centre can now appoint two poll commissioners ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The selection process will involve two committees. One will be a three-member search committee led by the law minister and constituting two government secretaries. The other will be a three-member selection committee headed by the Prime Minister. It will comprise a Union minister recommended by the PM and the leader of Opposition.
The search panel will recommend five names to the selection committee. But the latter can select a commissioner from outside this list too.
Ultimately the President will appoint the election commissioner or chief election commissioner.
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