Question

Consider the following statements with regard to the Election Commission of India:
(i) The Election Commission became a multi-member body for the first time in 1989.
(ii) The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 by the 61st Constitutional Amendment.
(iii) The Election Commission has the power to interfere in court matters related to the delimitation of constituencies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• A. only (i)
• B. only (ii)
• C. only (i) and (ii)
• D. All the above

Answer 1

Answer:

C. only (i) and (ii)

Election Commission of India:

• Multi-member Body: The Election Commission of India (ECI) was initially a single-member body. It was made a multi-member body for the first time in 1989. Subsequently, it reverted to a single-member body, and then again became a multi-member body consisting of the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners in 1993.

• Voting Age Reduction: The voting age in India was lowered from 21 years to 18 years through the 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988. This amendment came into effect from March 28, 1989. This change significantly increased the number of eligible voters.

• Delimitation of Constituencies: The Delimitation Commission is responsible for redrawing the boundaries of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies. The ECI plays a crucial role in this process by providing necessary support and data, but it does not have the power to directly interfere in court matters related to delimitation. The Delimitation Act, 2002, governs this process, and its orders have the force of law and cannot be called in question by any court.

• Constitutional Status: The Election Commission of India is a permanent constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution of India.

• Powers and Functions: The ECI is responsible for conducting free and fair elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, the office of the President of India, and the office of the Vice-President of India. It also exercises superintendence, direction, and control over elections.