Election Commission

Introduction:

Election commission of India is an independent body that regulates the functioning of election in India. Indian Election commission is been taken as a quasi-judiciary body having its own position in Indian Constitution. This body has been incorporated to make conduct of elections in a free and fair manner. Election commission of India was incorporated on January 25^th in the year 1950. Its mention is there in article 324 in Indian constitution. The main officers of election commission that are chief election commissioner along with two other commissioners are been appointed by the president.

Details of Election Commission Of India:

• There was only one Chief Election Commissioner of Indian Election commission till 1989 October.
• But after that month in the same year, two commissioners were appointed for election commission.
• They were soon removed in 1990 due to some issues.
• Later, in the year 1991, parliament of India made a law of appointing two election commissioners.
• There were some changes in this law in 1993 and was named as Election commissioners Amendment Act.
• This amendment was done on the basis of their term of service.

Details of Chief Election Commissioner of Election Commission of India:

• It is on the wish of Indian President that how many other commissioners along with a chief election commissioner can be in Indian Election commission.
• The other election commissioners can be removed on the recommendation of Chief Election Commissioner.
• It requires a two third majority from both the houses.
• Election commissioner can be removed only when he is proved incapable or having been caught doing misbehavior.
• Salary given to chief election commissioner is equal to Chief Justice of India.
• The three major Election commissioners have the same right to take decisions.
• Their tenure is of 6 years or till the age of 65 considering the earlier one.
• Till now election commission of India has completed successful 300 elections.
• The Election commission of India has the power to direction and has a control of all the elections.
• Elections of parliament, state legislatures and office of President along with office of Vice-President come under their purview.
• It is a powerful body just like the apex court of India that is Supreme Court.

Key functions of Indian Election Commission:

• Demarcation of Constituencies.
• Recognition of Political parties and allotment of symbols.
• Preparation of Electoral Rolls.
• Conduct of polls.
• Scrutiny of election expenses of candidates
• Scrutiny of nomination papers.

Election commission of India enjoys full autonomy. It debarred from executive interference of any type. The president of India has to follow opinions and recommendations given by Chief Election commissioner. Only judiciary that deals with election petitions can interfere in proceedings of Indian Election commission. While conducting election, it is the duty of this body to have all details of the expenses and operations while conducting election. It is the duty of state police, paramilitary forces and government machinery of State to work as per the instructions of election commission. This is done to maintain discipline while election is in process. 

The following have held the post of the Chief Election Commissioner of India till date: