A heated exchange erupted in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly after Congress leader Nana Patole demanded impeachment proceedings against the State Election Commissioner (SEC). Patole accused the SEC of repeatedly changing election schedules, issuing conflicting notifications and creating confusion among candidates and voters during the ongoing local body polls. Such inconsistency, he argued, raised doubts about the transparency of the election process.
Speaker Rahul Narvekar immediately dismissed the request, stating that the state assembly has no constitutional authority to remove the SEC. He clarified that Article 243K(2) grants the commissioner the same protection as a High Court judge. Therefore, any removal process can begin only in Parliament, not in a state legislature.
Under the law, removing a High Court judge—or the SEC—requires a motion in Parliament supported by at least 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs, followed by an inquiry by a three-member committee. Only if the charges are proven and both Houses pass the motion by a special majority can the President order removal.
Patole maintained that his concerns were valid and signalled that Congress may pursue the issue nationally. The controversy is expected to remain a key point of debate through the winter session.
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