Page 35 – Election Commission of India
Based on M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (6th Edition)
Key Idea Summary
Core concepts and exam relevance
The Election Commission of India (Article 324) conducts elections to:
- Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha)
- State Legislatures
- President & Vice-President
It ensures independent, impartial, credible elections.
- Powers under Article 324
- Independence of EC
- Model Code of Conduct
- Single vs Multi-member Commission
Structure of Election Commission
Composition and appointments
Composition
- Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
- 2 Election Commissioners (ECs)
- Multi-member body since 1989
- Originally single-member (1950-1989)
Appointment (2023 Law)
- By President
- Selection Committee recommends
- Committee: PM + LoP + Cabinet Minister
- Search Committee assists
Tenure
- 6 years OR
- 65 years of age
- Whichever is earlier
- Can resign to President
Removal
- CEC: Same as SC Judge
- Impeachment by Parliament
- ECs: Can only be removed on CEC's recommendation
- Ensures independence
Powers & Functions of ECI
Three categories of powers
A) Administrative Powers
- Conduct elections (Parliament, State, President, VP)
- Prepare & revise electoral rolls
- Allot symbols to parties
- Register political parties
- Notify election schedule
- Deploy security forces
B) Advisory Powers
- Advise President on disqualification of MPs
- Advise Governor on disqualification of MLAs
- Opinion on extension of President's Rule beyond 1 year
- Consultation mandatory but not binding
C) Quasi-Judicial Powers
- Enforce Model Code of Conduct
- Decide party symbol disputes
- Recognize political parties
- Cancel election (in case of fraud)
- Hear complaints against candidates
Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
Guidelines for fair elections
❌ Prohibited During MCC
- New govt schemes announcements
- Use of govt machinery for campaign
- Communal/caste appeals
- Bribing voters
- Defaming opponents
✅ Required During MCC
- Fair play by all parties
- Equal opportunity
- Peaceful campaigning
- Transparency in spending
- Respect for opponents
⚠️ MCC Status
- Not statutory (no legal force)
- Based on consensus
- EC enforces through moral authority
- Can postpone/cancel polls for violations
Evolution of Election Commission
Key milestones
Election Commission established; single-member body
Two Election Commissioners added; became 3-member body
Strict enforcement of MCC; EC's authority strengthened
Electronic Voting Machines; Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail introduced
Simulation Lab
EC Powers Explorer
🧪 Election Scenario Simulator
Select a scenario to see how EC responds.
Select a scenario to see EC's response.
Exam Booster – Practice Questions
Test your understanding
1 Election Commission is empowered by which Article?
Article 324 empowers Election Commission. Art. 280 = Finance Commission, Art. 148 = CAG, Art. 312 = All India Services.
2 Who can remove Election Commissioners?
CEC is removed like SC judge (impeachment). ECs can only be removed on CEC's recommendation to President.
Memory Hooks & Quick Revision
Key takeaways for exam day
Revision Summary
3 Exam Points to Remember
- 1 Art. 324: EC powers | 3-member: CEC + 2 ECs | Tenure: 6 years / 65 age
- 2 CEC removal: Like SC judge | EC removal: On CEC's recommendation
- 3 MCC: Not statutory but enforced | EC conducts: Parliament, State, President, VP elections