Poll body had 15 CECs in 26 yrs, SC 22 CJIS in 24 years

Since 2000, many of the CJIs’ tenures could be counted in days—Justice G B Patnaik (40 days), Justice S Rajendra Babu (30 days) and Justice U U Lalit (74 days).

- Dhananjay Mahapatra

New Delhi: If appointment of as many as 15 chief election commissioners during the last 26 years was a “disturbing trend” capable of destroying the independence of the poll panel, then the Supreme Court must take a glance at the appointment of as many as 22 Chief Justices of India in the last 24 years, which contrasts with 28 CJIs appointed in 48 years since 1950 when the apex court came into existence.