ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional authority responsible for overseeing elections in India. Election Commission of India(ECI) is a permanent, independent and constitutional body. It conducts election for both parliament and state legislature.

Constitutional Provisions:
– ECI operates under Part XV of the Indian Constitution.
– Established on 25th January 1950.
– Articles 324 to 329 outline ECI’s powers, functions, tenure, and eligibility.

Structure:
– Originally had one Election Commissioner, but after the 1989 Amendment Act, it became a multi-member body.
– Comprises One Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioner
– Secretariat located in New Delhi.
– State-level assistance from Chief Electoral Officers, typically IAS officers.
– Appointments made by the President with a six-year tenure, or until 65 years of age.
– Enjoy the status and perks equivalent to Supreme Court Judges.

Procedure for Removal:
– Chief Election Commissioner removal similar to Supreme Court judges.
– Removal grounds are ‘Proven misbehaviour or incapacity.’
– Requires a special majority (2/3rd members present and >50% total strength).

Key Functions:
– Administers elections for Parliament, State Legislatures, President, and VicePresident.
– Sets election schedules, prepares electoral rolls, and issues EPIC.
– Decides polling station locations, assigns voters, and handles related matters.
– Grants political party recognition, assigns election symbols, and resolves disputes.
– Advises on post-election disqualification.
– Issues Model Code of Conduct, monitors campaign expenditure.