UPSC Prelims 2004 Q35: Indian Polity – Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
Consider the following tasks:
1. Superintendence, direction and conduct of free and fair elections
2. Preparation of electoral rolls for all elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures and the
Office of the President and the Vice - President
3. Giving recognition to political parties and individuals contesting the election
4. Proclamation of final verdict in the case of election disputes
Which of the above are the functions of the Election Commission of India?
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 2, 3 and 4
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 1, 2 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Functions of the Election Commission of India
| Task | Election Commission? |
|---|---|
| 1. Superintendence and conduct of elections | Yes — Article 324 |
| 2. Preparation of electoral rolls | Yes |
| 3. Recognition of political parties | Yes |
| 4. Final verdict in election disputes | No — decided by the High Courts and Supreme Court |
Tasks 1, 2 and 3 are functions of the Election Commission; election disputes are decided by courts.
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Tasks 1, 2 and 3 are the Commission's functions.
- (b) Incorrect. Task 4 belongs to the courts.
- (c) Incorrect. Task 2 also belongs to the Commission.
- (d) Incorrect. Task 4 belongs to the courts.
Key point
Article 324: ECI; Article 329: courts decide election disputes.
Remember
Election disputes are decided by courts, not by the Election Commission.
Common mistakes
- Believing the ECI decides election petitions.
- Forgetting that it recognises parties and allots symbols.
- Dropping the preparation of electoral rolls.
Exam tip
ECI: conducts and supervises; courts: adjudicate disputes.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 324 to 329
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Election Commission)
- NCERT Class XI Political Science — Indian Constitution at Work — Election and Representation