The three new bills to replace the colonial-era criminal laws were passed in Rajya Sabha today, virtually in the absence of the Opposition. Three more MPs were suspended from the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Nakul Nath, Deepak Baij, D.K Suresh were suspended for misconduct and storming the Well in Lok Sabha. The suspension was passed via voice vote. Parliament also passed a bill today to regulate the appointment and service terms of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners, with Law Minister Arjun Meghwal stating that legislation has been brought following a judgement of the Supreme Court.
The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 was passed by Lok Sabha after a brief debate. It was passed by Rajya Sabha last week.
Major opposition political parties did not take part in the debate on the bill, as 97 of their members have been suspended for "misconduct" for the remainder of the winter session.
The bill provides for the appointment, qualifications, Search Committee, Selection Committee, term of office, salary, resignation and removal, leave, pension of the Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners.
