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The Superintendence, direction and control , of elections in India is vested in
Explanation
According to Article 324 of the Constitution of India, the power of superintendence, direction, and control of elections is specifically vested in the Election Commission of India [2]. This constitutional mandate covers the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to the Parliament, the State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President of India [3]. While the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) acts as the Chairman of the Commission, the CEC does not hold superior power over other Election Commissioners; they function as a collective body [6]. The Election Commission is a permanent and independent constitutional body established to ensure free and fair elections [4]. It is important to note that the Commission's jurisdiction does not extend to local body elections (panchayats and municipalities), which are managed by State Election Commissions [3].
Sources
- [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 80: Elections > ELECTION MACHINERy3, > p. 573
- [2] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: ELECTION AND REPRESENTATION > Article 324: (1) > p. 68
- [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 43: Election Commission > CHAPTER " Election Commission > p. 419
- [5] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: ELECTION AND REPRESENTATION > Article 324: (1) > p. 69
- [6] https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/pdf1/Part15.pdf
- [4] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 43: Election Commission > CHAPTER " Election Commission > p. 419