India, Feb. 19 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday deferred the hearing of multiple petitions challenging the validity of the 2023 law governing the appointment of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (ECs) even as Gyanesh Kumar took over as India's next CEC amid opposition from the Congress party that cited the pendency of the case.

The adjournment came after solicitor general (SG) Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government, sought more time due to his engagement in a constitution bench matter. The court is yet to announce a fresh date for the hearing.

A bench led by justice Surya Kant had agreed on Tuesday to consider an expedited hearing of the case after advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing one of t...