Question

Consider the following statements with regard to the Election Commission of India:
(i) The Election Commission has the power to cancel polls in cases of rigging or booth capturing.
(ii) The first Chief Election Commissioner was V.S. Ramadevi.
(iii) The President appoints Regional Commissioners after consultation with the Election Commission.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer 1

Answer:

C. only (i) and (iii)

Election Commission of India

• Constitutional Body: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a permanent and independent constitutional body. It is established under Article 324 of the Constitution of India.

• Powers Regarding Polls: The ECI possesses significant powers to ensure fair elections. This includes the authority to cancel polls in specific constituencies if rigging, booth capturing, or other malpractices are reported, thereby upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

• Composition and Appointment: The ECI consists of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and a number of other Election Commissioners (ECs) as may be appointed by the President. Currently, it is a multi-member body.

• Regional Commissioners: The President, in consultation with the Election Commission, can appoint Regional Commissioners to assist the ECI in carrying out its duties in various regions of the country. This ensures better administration and oversight of elections at the regional level.

• First CEC: The first Chief Election Commissioner of India was Sukumar Sen, not V.S. Ramadevi. V.S. Ramadevi served as the first female Chief Election Commissioner later.

• Tenure: The CEC and ECs hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

• Independence: The Constitution ensures the independence of the Election Commission by stating that the CEC can be removed from office only through impeachment in a manner similar to that of a Judge of the Supreme Court.