Article 324 of CoI : Article 324: Superintendence, direction and control of elections to be vested in an Election Commission.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Scenario: General Elections to the Lok Sabha (House of the People)

Explanation: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for overseeing the entire process of conducting general elections to the Lok Sabha. This includes preparing and updating the electoral rolls, ensuring free and fair voting, and counting the votes.

Example: In 2019, before the general elections, the ECI undertook a massive exercise to update the electoral rolls. They ensured that all eligible voters were registered and that any discrepancies were corrected. On the day of the election, the ECI deployed thousands of polling officers and security personnel to ensure that the voting process was smooth and free from any malpractices. After the voting, the ECI supervised the counting of votes and declared the results.

Example 2:

Scenario: Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

Explanation: The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners. The CEC has a secure tenure and can only be removed in a manner similar to that of a Supreme Court judge, ensuring independence and impartiality.

Example: In 2020, the President of India appointed Mr. Sunil Arora as the Chief Election Commissioner. His appointment was made to ensure that the ECI remains an independent body capable of conducting free and fair elections. During his tenure, Mr. Arora oversaw several state assembly elections and ensured that they were conducted without any bias or influence from political parties.

Example 3:

Scenario: State Legislative Assembly Elections

Explanation: The ECI is also responsible for conducting elections to the Legislative Assemblies of each state. This includes preparing the electoral rolls, setting up polling stations, and ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly.

Example: In 2021, the ECI conducted the Legislative Assembly elections in West Bengal. The ECI deployed a large number of polling officers and security personnel to ensure that the elections were conducted peacefully. They also set up numerous polling stations across the state to facilitate easy access for voters. After the elections, the ECI supervised the counting of votes and declared the results.

Example 4:

Scenario: Removal of an Election Commissioner

Explanation: An Election Commissioner or a Regional Commissioner can only be removed from office on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner, ensuring that the removal process is not arbitrary.

Example: In a hypothetical scenario, if an Election Commissioner is found to be involved in corrupt practices, the Chief Election Commissioner can recommend their removal. The President, acting on this recommendation, can then remove the Election Commissioner from office, ensuring that the integrity of the ECI is maintained.

Example 5:

Scenario: Request for Additional Staff

Explanation: The President or the Governor of a state must provide additional staff to the ECI when requested, to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.

Example: During the 2019 general elections, the ECI requested additional staff from the state governments to manage the large number of polling stations. The Governors of various states, upon the request of the ECI, provided the necessary staff to ensure that the elections were conducted efficiently and without any logistical issues.