| Syllabus: GS-II  Subject: Polity  Topic: Institutions. |
Context: Supreme Court to hear plea alleging Centre may exploit vacancies in Election Commission for unfair advantage.
Arguments:
- Implementation of previous Supreme Court judgment for Chief Justice ‘s inclusion in the EC selection committee.
- Emphasis on the Election Commission’s critical role in ensuring free and fair elections.
- Request for insulation of Election Commission from political interference.
- Urgency due to risk to electoral integrity and functioning with vacancies.
| The Election Commission of India (Article 324):The Election Commission of India is a permanent and independent body.
It is tasked with conducting elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the Office of the President and Vice President of India. Appointment and tenure of Commissioners: ·       No specific legislative process is outlined in the Constitution. ·       President appoints based on advice of Union Council of Ministers. ·       Term lasts six years or until 65, with status and benefits akin to SC judges. ·       The removal process mirrors that of Supreme Court judges. ·       Retiring commissioners aren’t barred from further government appointments. Composition: ·       Initially a single-member body, it expanded in 1989 due to an increased workload. ·       Majority vote resolves disagreements among commissioner.Top of Form |
