Election Commission

• An autonomous constitutional authority
• The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country. 
• The concept of a multi-member Commission has been in operation since then, with decision-making power by majority vote. 

Appointment

• President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
• tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through impeachment by Parliament.
• The same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India. 

Dispute

• The Commission also has advisory jurisdiction in the matter of post-election disqualification of sitting members of Parliament and State Legislatures.
• The decisions of the Commission can be challenged in the High Court and the Supreme Court of India by appropriate petitions.
• In respect of elections for the offices of the President and Vice President, such petitions can only be filed before the Supreme Court.

Power

• Article 324 of the Constitution provides that the superintendence, direction, and control of elections are vested in the Election Commission.
• Commission has the power to recognize the party, from amongst splinter groups or rival sections.
• Commission power to settle such disputes pertaining to symbols between factions of a party, is entirely legal

Previous Years Questions.

• In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? (2018)
• To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (2017)

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Source:

• https://eci.gov.in/