NEW DELHI — The Supreme Court on Monday declined to pass an interim order restraining Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar from functioning and sought responses from the Centre, the Election Commission of India (ECI) and other respondents on a plea challenging the manner in which certain decisions concerning the electoral process were taken.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana heard the petition, which sought, among other reliefs, interim suspension of Kumar from the post of Chief Election Commissioner.
The plea raises questions over decisions relating to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleges that certain decisions were taken without the concurrence or approval of the other Election Commissioners.
The petition also seeks an inquiry into the decision-making process within the poll panel, according to the proceedings reported from the hearing.
The Court, however, declined to grant the requested interim relief at this stage, saying it needed an authoritative response before considering further orders. The bench indicated that it could not act merely on the basis of media reports or assumptions and sought replies from the concerned authorities.
The respondents include the Union government, the ECI, CEC Gyanesh Kumar and the other Election Commissioners, among other officials, according to the proceedings.
The Court also indicated that if the material placed before it showed that any ECI decision had not been taken in accordance with the applicable statutory procedure, appropriate orders could be considered subsequently.
The proceedings do not amount to a final determination on the allegations raised in the petition.
Gyanesh Kumar will continue to discharge his functions as Chief Election Commissioner while the matter remains pending before the Supreme Court.
