Question

Consider the following statements about the composition of the Election Commission of India:

1. The Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners as fixed by the President.

2. The Chief Election Commissioner acts as the Chairman when more than one Commissioner is appointed.

3. All Election Commissioners have different salaries based on their seniority.

4. In case of conflict among Commissioners, decisions are taken by majority.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 1, 2 and 4 only
• C. 3 and 4 only
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 1, 2 and 4 only

Constitutional Provisions for the Election Commission of India

• Article 324(2) of the Constitution of India provides for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (ECs).
• The President of India appoints the CEC and ECs. The number of ECs can be determined by the President from time to time.
• Initially, the Election Commission was a single-member body. It became a multi-member body in 1993.
• The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners have equal powers and draw the same salary, allowances, and privileges as are admissible to a Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
• All Commissioners have the same salary based on their seniority, not different salaries. Therefore, statement 3 is incorrect.
• The CEC acts as the Chairman of the Commission when there are other ECs.
• Decisions in the Commission are taken by a majority vote in case of any difference of opinion among the Commissioners. This ensures collective functioning and avoids a deadlock.
• The CEC can be removed from office in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
• ECs can be removed on the recommendation of the CEC.

Key Facts for Competitive Exams

• The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional body.
• It is responsible for administering election processes to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the President and Vice-President of India.
• It is not concerned with elections to Panchayats and Municipalities in the states, which are handled by the State Election Commissions.