Justice Datta questions minister’s independence in CEC selection panel

Justice Datta has questioned the independence of a minister included in the panel that selects the Chief Election Commissioner, The Hindu reported. In a split verdict, Justice Datta said the minister “cannot be expected to defy the Prime Minister”. He also said the Prime Minister and the Cabinet minister shared “collective responsibility”.

According to the supplied report, Justice Datta concluded that including a minister failed to provide the selection process with an independent character. The report does not identify the case, the other judge’s position or the precise legal question before the court. The available material also does not state what remedy Justice Datta proposed, whether the selection process was suspended or how the verdict affected the composition of the panel.

No response from the government or other parties was included. The report does not provide further details about the appointment procedure or the circumstances that led to the challenge. Justice Datta’s comments, as quoted by The Hindu, focused on whether the minister’s presence could ensure an independent assessment in the selection process.