EC asked SC to give it powers to make election rules

New Delhi, April 13: The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday told the Supreme Court that the powers to make election rules under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and 1951 be given to it instead of the existing practice of Central Government framing the rules.

Also seeking that the impeachment procedure for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) be extended to two other Election Commissioners (ECs) as well, the poll panel has also favoured an independent secretariat and financial powers on the lines of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Under the existing procedure, the Central Government frames the election rules under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and Representation of the People Act, 1951 in consultation with the Election Commission.

However, seeking the reversal of roles, the Election Commission has said that the task of framing the election rules under the statutes be entrusted to it, which it would do in consultation with the Central government.