Question map
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 allotting election symbols 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?
Explanation
Article 324 vests the Election Commission with the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to Parliament, State Legislatures and the offices of President and Vice‑President, covering tasks 1 and 2 [1]. The Commission also grants recognition to political parties and allots election symbols to parties and candidates, and adjudicates disputes relating specifically to recognition and symbol allotment [2]. However, proclaiming final verdicts in general election petitions or broader election disputes is not a general function of the Election Commission; such disputes are subject to judicial or tribunal adjudication rather than final proclamation by the Commission. Therefore items 1, 2 and 3 are ECI functions.
Sources
- [1] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: ELECTION AND REPRESENTATION > Article 324: (1) > p. 68
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 43: Election Commission > POWERS AND FUNCTIONS > p. 421