EC Arun Goel resigns days before Lok Sabha schedule, leaving one-member Commission
The President accepted Arun Goel's resignation with effect from 9 Mar 2024 under Section 11(1) of the 2023 Act, leaving CEC Rajiv Kumar as the Commission's only member days before the general election schedule was expected. No reason was given officially.
Goel could not be reached for comment (DH). The Wire, citing NDTV, reported differences between Goel and CEC Rajiv Kumar on a file; the NDTV report was not opened and neither man confirmed it. Newslaundry dated the resignation 6 Mar; the notification date is 9 Mar. Congress and TMC called the timing deeply concerning. PTI (DH, 11 Mar 2024) says he resigned on the morning of Friday 8 Mar and it was accepted on Saturday 9 Mar; The Tribune says he resigned on Saturday. DH (9 Mar) says the Commission did not comment.
- TIER 3 · PRESSElection Commissioner Arun Goel steps down ahead of Lok Sabha electionsThe Tribune2024-03-10“tendered by Shri Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from 9th March, 2024”
- TIER 3 · PRESSArun Goel quits as Election Commissioner weeks before Lok Sabha electionsDeccan Herald2024-03-09
- TIER 1 · PRIMARYFormer CEC/ECElection Commission of India2026-01-01
- TIER 2 · RESEARCH/FILINGArun Goel's Resignation: What is the Established Law on the Appointment of Election Commissioners?Association for Democratic Reforms (reproducing The Wire)2024-03-11
- TIER 3 · PRESSPM-chaired panel's meet to appoint 2 ECs advanced to March 14: SourcesDeccan Herald (PTI)2024-03-11
- TIER 3 · PRESSElection Commissioner Arun Goel resigns ahead of Lok Sabha electionThe Tribune2024-03-10
- TIER 1 · PRIMARYDr. Jaya Thakur v. Union of India, W.P. (C) No. 14 of 2024 and connected matters, order on stay applications, 2024 INSC 246Supreme Court of India (PDF hosted by Supreme Court Observer)2024-03-22
- TIER 2 · RESEARCH/FILINGChallenges to the Appointment of Election Commissioners Act, 2023 (case page)Supreme Court Observer