Supreme Court Dismisses PIL Against Appointment Of Arun Goel As Election Commissioner

The Supreme Court today (4 August) dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) which challenged the appointment of Arun Goel as the Election Commissioner of India.

A bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna stated that previously a constitution bench of the Supreme Court had examined the contentions against the appointment of Goel, which were dismissed.

The present PIL was filed by an NGO, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), challenging the appointment of Goel on the ground that it was arbitrary and violative of institutional integrity and independence of the Election Commission of India.

Tushar Mehta, appearing for the central government, opposing the plea stated that the petitioner wanted a second bite of the cherry and is representing a busy-body, with no genuine cause.

Prashant Bhushan appearing for ADR argued that the Goel’s appointment was not quashed as he was not a party to the proceedings earlier.

However, the bench dismissed the PIL, stating that the issue was already resolved by the constitution bench and need no further consideration.