Question

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the Chief Election Commissioners of India?

1. Sukumar Sen was the first Chief Election Commissioner of India.

2. V.S. Ramadevi was the first woman Chief Election Commissioner and also the shortest-serving CEC.

3. The current Chief Election Commissioner, as per the provided text, is Gyanesh Kumar.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1

Answer:

D. 1, 2, and 3

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India: Key Facts and Context

• Constitutional Mandate: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body responsible for conducting elections in India. It was established on January 25, 1950, under Article 324 of the Constitution.
• First CEC: Sukumar Sen holds the distinction of being the first Chief Election Commissioner of India. He served from 1950 to 1958 and oversaw the first general elections in India (1951-52).
• First Woman CEC & Shortest Tenure: V.S. Ramadevi is noted for two significant achievements: being the first woman to hold the office of Chief Election Commissioner and having the shortest tenure as CEC. She served from November 26, 1990, to December 11, 1990.
• Current CEC: As of recent appointments, Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as a Chief Election Commissioner. The appointment process for CEC and Election Commissioners has recently seen changes with the introduction of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
• Appointment and Tenure:
  • CEC and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India.
  • Their term of office is six years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
  • They can be removed from office in a manner similar to that of a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, through impeachment by Parliament.
• Powers and Functions: The ECI is responsible for:
  • Preparing electoral rolls.
  • Recognizing political parties and allotting election symbols.
  • Conducting elections to Parliament, state legislatures, the office of the President, and the office of the Vice-President.
  • Framing the code of conduct for political parties and candidates.
• Evolution of the Commission: Initially, the ECI was a single-member body. In 1993, it was made a multi-member body consisting of the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.