New Delhi [India], October 5 (ANI): Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh on Monday demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar after the Supreme Court clarified that it had not approved any modified version of Form 6, alleging that the development had undermined institutional processes.
“In my opinion, the internal proceedings have been published and made public. So, they have demolished the entire system that has existed since time immemorial. They have demolished our institutions. CEC Gyanesh Kumar should be removed as soon as possible, and a case of treason should be registered against him,” Singh said.
His remarks came after the Supreme Court on Monday made it clear that it had not approved any modified version of Form 6, which is used for enrolling new voters in electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant made the observation while hearing a plea seeking suspension and prosecution of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
“Any modified Form 6 has not been approved by us. Let’s be clear. When the record is produced, we would like to see who has modified it,” CJI Surya Kant observed.
The Supreme Court’s clarification came after the Election Commission, in a September 26 press statement issued following a key meeting, had said, “The declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR has been upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.”
The apex court also refused to pass an ex-parte interim order seeking suspension of the CEC over allegations that key decisions related to the SIR were taken unilaterally. A bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notices to the Centre, the Election Commission, Gyanesh Kumar and other officials.
“Let’s first have authenticated information on that. We can always annul any decision…” the bench observed.
The petition before the court alleges that 14 crucial SIR-related decisions were taken in the name of the Election Commission despite objections allegedly recorded by the other two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
The plea also raises questions over the alteration of Form 6 and alleged changes to electoral-roll systems without the participation or approval of the other Commissioners.
Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for petitioner Rakesh Kumar Singh, sought immediate suspension of the CEC and cited Section 18 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, which provides that the Commission’s business should, as far as possible, be conducted unanimously and, where members differ, decided by majority.
The court said it would first examine the allegations after receiving responses from the respondents. CJI Kant further observed that if any violation of the statutory framework was established, the court could undo the decision. (ANI)
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