Question

Which of the following statements about the constitutional provisions of the Election Commission are correct?

i. Article 324 vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the Election Commission.

ii. Article 325 ensures no person is ineligible for inclusion in the electoral roll based on religion, race, caste, or sex.

iii. Article 329 allows courts to interfere in the delimitation of constituencies.

iv. The 61st Constitutional Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years.

• A. Only i, ii, and iv are correct
• B. Only i and ii are correct
• C. Only iii and iv are correct
• D. Only i, iii, and iv are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only i, ii, and iv are correct

Constitutional Provisions of the Election Commission of India

• Article 324: This article of the Indian Constitution is the foundational pillar for the Election Commission of India (ECI). It explicitly vests the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and to the Legislature of every State and of elections to the offices of President and Vice-President held under this Constitution in the Election Commission.
• Part XV of the Constitution: Articles 324 to 329 deal with elections and establish the framework for a free and fair electoral system in India.
• Article 325: This article prohibits discrimination in the preparation of electoral rolls. It states that no person shall be ineligible for inclusion in, or claim to be included in a special electoral roll for any constituency on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or any of them. This ensures universal adult suffrage without discrimination.
• Article 329: This article acts as a bar to interference by courts in electoral matters. It specifically states that the validity of any law relating to the delimitation of constituencies or the allotment of seats to such constituencies made or purporting to be made under Article 327 or Article 328 shall not be called in question in any court. Furthermore, no election to either House of Parliament or to the House or either House of the Legislature of a State shall be called in question except by an election petition presented to such authority and in such manner as may be provided for by or under any law made by the appropriate Legislature.
• 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988: This landmark amendment lowered the voting age for Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections from 21 years to 18 years. It was enacted in 1989 and was brought into force to provide the unrepresented youth of the country an opportunity to vent their feelings and help them become a part of the political process.
• Rajiv Gandhi's Government: The 61st Amendment was passed during the tenure of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.