Free and fair elections can happen only if there are independent Election Commissioners, SC says The Supreme Court on Thursday (May 14, 2026) raised concerns about the government’s role in appointing Election Commissioners, emphasizing that free and fair elections require an independent Election Commission of India. The court questioned the neutrality of the Prime Minister-led selection panel for these roles, noting the absence of any “absolutely neutral person” on the committee. It also challenged the inclusion of a Cabinet Minister on the panel, arguing that such a minister could not be expected to act independently of the Prime Minister. The court further doubted whether the Leader of the Opposition’s presence on the committee was merely symbolic, as appointments could proceed without unanimous agreement. The hearing focused on a batch of petitions challenging the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023. Petitioners argued that the law contradicted a landmark Supreme Court judgment from the Anoop Baranwal case, which had established a selection panel comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India. The 2023 Act, passed shortly after the judgment, replaced the Chief Justice with a Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister, effectively transferring the appointment power to the executive. Justice Dipankar Datta, presiding over a Division Bench, described the Anoop Baranwal judgment as a “classic example of judicial restraint and statesmanship.#prime_minister #supreme_court #election_commission_of_india #chief_election_commissioner #attorney_general
"Executive Controlling Everything": Top Court On Poll Body Chief Selection The Supreme Court on Thursday addressed a contentious issue regarding the appointment process for the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, raising questions about the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection panel. The court's focus centered on the disparity in the composition of the committee responsible for choosing the Chief Election Commissioner compared to the one for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director. During the hearing, Justice Dipankar Datta highlighted the apparent contradiction in the selection mechanisms. While the CJI is included in the committee for appointing the CBI director, the same individual is excluded from the panel tasked with selecting the Chief Election Commissioner. Datta posed pointed questions about the rationale behind this distinction, emphasizing the lack of an independent member in the latter panel. "Why shouldn't there be an independent member? Why should it be from the ministry?" the judge asked, noting that the current process allows the Prime Minister to select one member and the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) to choose another, with the third member leaning toward the LoP. The attorney general, R Venkataramani, responded by stating he would not speculate on the matter, deferring to the executive's discretion. Datta countered by accusing the executive of wielding unchecked authority, declaring, "Then it is the executive who is controlling everything." The bench further observed that decisions in such appointments would likely be determined by a 2:1 majority, with the cabinet minister unlikely to challenge the Prime Minister's stance.#prime_minister #supreme_court #central_bureau_of_investigation #chief_election_commissioner #justice_dipankar_datta
South Korean prime minister celebrates Crimson Desert: 'K-games can shine as a pillar of K-content' Crimson Desert takes the throne as the best K-game (Kliff game) of all time. #Crimson_Desert #South_Korean #prime_minister #Kliff_game #Korean_prime #celebrates_Crimson
Zondacrypto under fire as Poland's prime minister links exchange to legislative interference #prime_minister #Poland_prime #legislative_interference #minister_links #links_exchange
Hungary’s Orbán concedes defeat as opposition secures landslide win Tisza party led by Péter Magyar projected to win two-thirds majority in crushing loss for EU’s longest-serving prime minister #prime_minister #Péter_Magyar #Orbán_concedes #Tisza_party #Magyar_projected #win_Tisza
One battle after another: Netanyahu’s new security doctrine The prime minister is preparing Israel for a future of open-ended war against perceived threats #Netanyahu #prime_minister #preparing_Israel #perceived_threats #security_doctrine #open-ended_war
"Lockdown in India" among top searches today The spike in searches for "lockdown in India" appears to be primarily driven by memories of March 24, 2020, when the prime minister announced a complete Covid lockdown. The surge in queries also reflects heightened interest in the ongoing Iran war, which has sparked renewed discussions about national security and global tensions. Updated on: Mar 25, 2026 8:13 AM IST. Edited by Nayanika Sengupta.#prime_minister #india #iran_war #nayanika_sengupta #covid_lockdown
Prime Minister Shares Remarks on West Asia Conflict in Rajya Sabha The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, outlined key points from his address to the Rajya Sabha regarding the ongoing conflict in West Asia. In a series of social media posts, he emphasized India’s commitment to resolving the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy. Modi stated that the country remains in constant communication with all parties involved to restore peace in the region. He highlighted the importance of maintaining uninterrupted supply of oil and gas to India despite challenging circumstances, noting that efforts to secure these resources are being closely monitored. Modi also addressed concerns about the impact of the conflict on farmers, assuring that all necessary preparations have been made to ensure the agricultural season proceeds without disruption. The Prime Minister described the current crisis as a significant test for “Team India,” urging state governments to collaborate closely to achieve success. He reiterated that the welfare of the nation’s people is paramount, stating that this principle defines India’s identity and strength. Modi’s remarks underscored India’s diplomatic approach to the region’s instability while emphasizing the country’s resolve to safeguard its economic and social interests. The posts, shared on March 24, 2026, reflect the government’s strategy to balance international engagement with domestic preparedness amid geopolitical tensions.#prime_minister #india #rajya_sabha #west_asia #narendra_modis
Letters to The Editor — March 10, 2026 The Prime Minister’s recent remarks about the alleged shortcomings of the West Bengal government in organizing the International Santal Conference have sparked debate. The comments, reportedly made during election speeches, followed President Droupadi Murmu’s expressed disappointment over the arrangements for her visit. Critics argue that the Prime Minister’s focus on this issue raises questions about the adequacy of advance notice provided to the West Bengal government. Additionally, concerns have been raised about protocol breaches involving sudden changes in the appointment of Governors in certain states, with doubts about whether Chief Ministers were sufficiently informed or consulted. These incidents are seen as indicative of growing tensions between the central government and state administrations within an increasingly fragmented federal structure. The West Bengal government’s response to the criticism has been met with skepticism. Given the symbolic importance of the President’s role, the circumstances surrounding the arrangements for her visit warrant thorough examination. The lack of clarity about the government’s preparedness has prompted calls for a detailed explanation of the events. The recent increase in LPG prices has caused distress for households, but broader economic factors must also be considered. Tensions in West Asia have disrupted global supply chains, and India’s reliance on imported LPG has made it vulnerable to price fluctuations. While the price hike is unwelcome, analysts note that the adjustment remains relatively modest compared to the scale of international disruptions. Domestic supply chains, however, have remained stable, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential fuel.#prime_minister #west_bengal_government #droupadi_murmu #international_santal_conference #lpg_prices
Starmer calls for western alliance to be ‘remade’ UK prime minister pushes for multilateral defence initiative to oversee joint procurement and cut rearmament costs #Starmer_calls #rearmament_costs #western_alliance #prime_minister #minister_pushes #multilateral_defence
