Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner | Autonomous District Councils in Meghalaya | CITES | Nilgiri Tahrs | Inquiry and Prosecution Wing of Lokpal

Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner

Polity

Context

• Opposition parties are considering an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

Article 324 of Constitution

• Article 324 of the Constitution states that the Election Commission will comprise the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of Election Commissioners (ECs), as the President may decide.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for managing the preparation of electoral rolls and conducting elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
• The Constitution specifies that the President will appoint the CEC and ECs, subject to the provisions of an Act of Parliament.

Constitutional Provisions for Removal of the CEC

• Article 324(5) of the Constitution of India provides that the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) can be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
• A motion seeking the removal of the CEC may be introduced in either House of Parliament and must specify the grounds for seeking removal.

The motion must be supported by:

1. At least 100 members of the Lok Sabha, or
2. At least 50 members of the Rajya Sabha.
3. Once the motion is admitted, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha constitutes an inquiry committee to investigate the allegations.
4. If the committee finds the charges proven, the motion is taken up for voting in Parliament.
5. Both Houses must then pass the motion with a two‑thirds majority of those present and voting. After both Houses approve the motion, the President issues the final order for removal.

Autonomous District Councils in Meghalaya

Polity and Governance

Context

• The election to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in Meghalaya has been postponed due to ongoing violence and disturbances in the West Garo Hills district.

About

• The Sixth Schedule (Articles 244(2) and 275(1)) of Constitution provides autonomous administrative arrangements for tribal areas in certain northeastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
• Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Meghalaya are special local self-governing institutions created under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India to protect the political, cultural, and economic rights of tribal communities.
• These councils enjoy legislative, executive, judicial, and financial powers.

Objectives

1. Protect tribal land and customs.
2. Provide self-governance to indigenous communities.
3. Prevent exploitation by external groups.

CITES

Environment

Context

• Recently, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition alleging violation of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

• Objective – It is a legally binding agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
• It does not ban trade completely, but regulates it through a system of permits and classifications.
• Signed: 1973 (Washington Convention)
• Entered into force: 1975
• Administered by: UNEP (Secretariat in Geneva)
• Parties: 180+ countries; India is a member
• Nature: Binding on countries, but implementation via national laws;
• Institutional Structure: Conference of Parties (CoP): Highest decision-making body (meets every 2–3 years)
• Secretariat: Geneva

Three Appendices

• Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction; Trade allowed only in exceptional cases;
• Example: Tiger, Elephant (certain populations), Rhino
• Appendix II: Species not immediately threatened, but may become so; controlled trade allowed.
• Example: Many timber species, marine species (e.g., sharks)
• Appendix III: Species protected in at least one country; other countries help regulate trade.

India & CITES

• India is a signatory since 1976; Implemented via Wildlife Protection Act, 1972;
• Key Authorities: MoEFCC (Management Authority); Wildlife Institute of India (Scientific Authority).

Nilgiri Tahrs

Environment

Context

• The Chokramudi hills near Munnar in Idukki (Kerala) have now transformed into a thriving natural habitat for the Nilgiri tahr.

Nilgiri Tahr

• Description: A stocky mountain goat (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) with short, yellowish-brown fur, and the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
• Habitat and Distribution: Endemic to a 400 km stretch of the Western Ghats, primarily across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Diet: A herbivore feeding on over 120 species of grasses, herbs, and shrubs.
• Threats: Key threats include habitat loss (deforestation, plantations, hydroelectric projects), competition with domestic livestock, and hunting.
• Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered (IUCN Red List) and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
• Note – The Nilgiri tahr is the state animal of Tamil Nadu, and Eravikulam National Park hosts the largest surviving population and highest density of the species.

Inquiry and Prosecution Wing of Lokpal

Polity

In News

• A Parliamentary Standing Committee has sought details on the operationalisation of inquiry and prosecution wings provision in the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013, highlighting delays even after a decade of enactment.

Lokpal

• Status & Mandate: Statutory anti-corruption body (Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013). It became functional in 2019. Mandated to inquire into corruption allegations against public functionaries.
• Structure: Consists of a Chairperson (former CJI, former SC Judge, or eminent person) and eight Members (four Judicial). At least 50% of Members must be from SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/women.
• Appointment & Term: Appointed by the President based on the recommendation of a selection committee chaired by the Prime Ministe The term is 5 years or until 70 years of age.
• Jurisdiction: Covers current or former PM, Union Ministers, MPs, and Union Government officials (Groups A, B, C, D). Also includes heads and members of bodies funded by Union/State or receiving foreign contributions over ₹10 lakh.
• Powers: It has powers to superintendence over and to give direction to the CBI. Can refer complaints against Central government servants to the CVC.
• PM Exemptions: Cannot inquire into allegations against the PM regarding international relations, security, public order, atomic energy, or space. Initiation of a PM inquiry requires consideration by the full Lokpal bench and approval by at least 2/3rds of the members.