Election Commission of India (ECI)

09.09.2025

Election Commission of India (ECI)

Context
The Supreme Court recently directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to allow Aadhaar as the 12th "indicative" document for identity proof during the special revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, highlighting ongoing electoral reforms.

Constitutional Status and Authority

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a permanent and autonomous constitutional authority.
   
• It is established under Articles 324 to 329 of the Indian Constitution.
   

The ECI is responsible for conducting free and fair elections for:

• Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)
• State Legislatures
• President and Vice President of India
   

Note: Elections for local bodies (municipalities and panchayats) are conducted by separate State Election Commissions.

Key Constitutional Provisions

• Article 324 grants the ECI power to oversee the preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections.
• Article 325 prohibits discrimination in electoral inclusion on the basis of religion, race, caste, or sex.
• Article 326 establishes adult suffrage for elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
• Articles 327 and 328 empower Parliament and State legislatures respectively to enact laws on electoral matters.
• Article 329 bars courts from intervening in electoral proceedings, ensuring smooth election conduct.

Functions of ECI
The ECI has Advisory, Quasi-Judicial, and Administrative roles:

• Advisory role involves guiding the President or Governors on disqualification of elected members found guilty of corrupt practices.
• Quasi-Judicial powers include disqualification of candidates failing to file expense reports, recognition and derecognition of parties, and enforcing the Model Code of Conduct.
• Administrative responsibilities encompass delimiting constituencies, updating voter lists, announcing election schedules, scrutinizing nominations, managing polling, and ensuring free and fair elections.

Composition
 

Initially 1 member, now 3 members (CEC + 2 Election Commissioners).

• Appointments by President, tenure like Supreme Court judges, decisions by majority vote.
   
• CEC removal follows parliamentary procedure like Supreme Court judges.
   

Conclusion

The Election Commission of India, as the sentinel of electoral integrity, plays an indispensable role in nurturing democracy by ensuring that elections are conducted fairly, impartially, and inclusively, thus upholding the constitutional mandate and sustaining the true spirit of India’s sovereign democratic republic.