Wed Feb 19 13:43:29 UTC 2025: ## New Chief Election Commissioner Takes Office Amidst Ongoing Legal Challenges
**NEW DELHI** – Gyanesh Kumar assumed office as India’s 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Wednesday, succeeding Rajiv Kumar. His appointment, made by a panel chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi late Monday, has been met with opposition from the Congress party, who contest the selection process. The appointment comes as the Supreme Court is poised to hear petitions challenging the validity of the 2023 law governing the appointments of the CEC and Election Commissioners on February 19th. These petitions argue that the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel undermines the independence of the Election Commission.
In his first address, Mr. Kumar stressed the importance of voter participation in nation-building, urging all eligible citizens to register and vote. He reiterated the Election Commission’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and electoral laws in supporting voters. The appointment also saw Sukhbir Singh Sandhu remain as an Election Commissioner, and Vivek Joshi appointed to the same role on Monday. The Congress party, through a dissent note submitted to the selection panel, has voiced concerns about the appointment process. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the legality of the new appointment law in the coming days.
First Piper 