Who is Arun Goel, former Election Commissioner at the center of controversy
Arun Goel, a retired 1985-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Punjab cadre, was appointed as Election Commissioner on November 19, 2022, in a move that sparked controversy and raised questions about the appointment process.
Goel's appointment came under scrutiny when it was revealed that he had taken voluntary retirement on November 18, 2022, and was appointed to the Election Commission just a day later. This swift appointment process led to criticism, with the Supreme Court questioning the government's haste in appointing him.
The court asked why there was a «tearing hurry» to appoint Goel to the poll panel, noting that the file recommending his appointment was moved quickly, with even the Prime Minister recommending his name on the same day. Despite the controversy surrounding his appointment, a two-judge bench later dismissed a petition challenging his appointment, citing a previous decision by a Constitution Bench.
READ MORE: Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigns
Goel's tenure as Election Commissioner was expected to last until 2027, and he was in line to succeed Rajiv Kumar as the Chief Election Commissioner after Kumar's retirement. However, Goel resigned from his position, leaving the Election Commission of India with only one member, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.
The reasons for Goel's resignation remain unknown, but his appointment and subsequent resignation have been significant points of contention within the Election Commission and the broader
