Supreme Court issues notice to Centre, poll panel over CEC Gyanesh Kumar's functioning; no interim order

Supreme Court seeks respose from EC and Centre in a week on plea alleging CEC took decisions without approval of two Election Commissioners. The Supreme Court on Monday refused to pass an interim order suspending Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over allegations that he took decisions unilaterally in the Election Commission of India (ECI), without the consensus of the two other Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. (PTI FILE)A SC bench headed by CJI Surya Kant and including Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notice to the EC and the Centre seeking responses in a week on a plea challenging the manner in which the poll panel led by CEC took decisions allegedly without the approval of two Election Commissioners, according to PTI.Gyanesh Kumar news LIVE: ‘We didn't approve modified Form 6, let’s be very clear', says SC on pleas against CECThe court indicated that if, after considering the EC's response, it finds that certain decisions were taken by the CEC without the required unanimity, it could reconsider or recall those decisions.The petition was filed by Patna resident Rakesh Kumar Singh, asking the court to dismiss Gyanesh as CEC until hearing was finished."Direct that respondent No.3 (CEC) shall not exercise the functions of Chief Election Commissioner of India pending final hearing of the present petition; direct that during such period, the business of the Commission be transacted by the unanimous decision of respondent Nos. 4 (Sukhbir Singh Sandhu) and 5 (Vivek Joshi); and direct that any appointment to the resulting vacancy be made upon the recommendation of a Committee, including the Hon'ble Chief Justice of India," the plea stated.“After notice, if they come and show that ABC decisions were taken without unanimity, we will take those decisions back,” the court said.The petitions were filed after the Indian Express reports that around 14 decisions were taken in the name of the EC despite objections raised by the other two Election Commissioners.According to the petitions, the two commissioners recorded at least 14 objections between October 2025 and August 2026 over various steps related to the SIR.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More