Arun Goel, Election Commissioner, resigned from his post on Saturday, just days before the anticipated announcement of the Lok Sabha elections. His tenure, which was scheduled until 2027, came to an unexpected end.
The Union Law and Justice Ministry, through a gazette notification, announced the acceptance of Goel's resignation, citing Clause (1) of Section 11 of The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
According to the law, either the Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner holds the authority to resign from office by submitting a written resignation to the President at any time.
Goel's departure further depletes the Election Commission, which was already reduced to two members following the retirement of Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey in February. With Goel's resignation now confirmed, only Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar remains on the panel.
A former IAS officer, Goel, assumed office as Election Commissioner on November 21, 2022. However, his appointment drew scrutiny due to his background as the Union Heavy Industries Secretary.
Notably, Goel opted for voluntary retirement from the Indian Administrative Services on November 18, 2022, just a day before his appointment to the Commission.
Follow us
