Rajya Sabha Chairman Rejects Impeachment Motion To Remove Chief Election Commissioner

Rajya Sabha Chairman rejects impeachment motion to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, declines to admit notice signed by 63 members after legal review

CEC Gyanesh Kumar is set to assume the Chairship of the International IDEA on December 3, 2026. (PTI/File)

The Rajya Sabha Chairman has rejected an impeachment motion seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, according to an official statement issued on Monday.

The notice of motion, dated March 12, 2026, was signed by 63 members of the Rajya Sabha. After reviewing the motion, the Chairman declined to admit it, citing a “careful and objective assessment” of all relevant aspects and issues involved.

The decision was taken under the powers vested in the Chairman by Section 3 of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, the bulletin stated.

The notice seeking removal of CEC was submitted with the support of 130 Lok Sabha MPs and 63 Rajya Sabha members. This marks the first time such a motion has been brought against the head of the Election Commission.

The 10-page notice outlined seven charges against the CEC. These included allegations of partisan behaviour, mass disenfranchisement of voters, and concerns over his conduct while overseeing elections.

Opposition parties also questioned the way the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise was handled in earlier elections such as Bihar, as well as in upcoming polls in states like West Bengal. The notice further mentioned allegations of “proved misbehaviour” and partiality towards a particular political party.

The move was led by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) amid rising criticism of the CEC from several opposition leaders. They have accused him of acting in a biased manner and conducting the ongoing SIR process arbitrarily, allegedly to benefit the BJP.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been at the forefront of protests against the SIR exercise in her state. Meanwhile, other opposition leaders have also intensified their attacks, with Rahul Gandhi leading a campaign alleging “vote chori”.

The issue has added to the growing political tensions ahead of key elections, with sharp differences emerging between the ruling party and the opposition over the functioning of the Election Commission.

(With inputs from agency)

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