Article 324 – Election Commission’s Mandate and Electoral Supervision
- vidyarthee2021
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently emphasized that Article 324 of the Constitution grants it plenary powers to oversee all aspects of elections, including the preparation of electoral rolls.
Key Constitutional Provisions
Article 324(1)
Grants the ECI authority over the superintendence, direction, and control of:
Elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, President, and Vice-President
Preparation of electoral rolls
Recognized as a plenary provision, meaning the ECI can act even in the absence of specific legislation.
Article 326
Ensures Universal Adult Franchise:
Any Indian citizen aged 18 or above can vote in Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
Exceptions: Those disqualified under the Constitution or law (e.g., unsound mind, corrupt practices).
UPSC-Relevant Points
GS2 – Polity: Constitutional bodies, powers and responsibilities of the ECI
GS2 – Governance: Electoral reforms, voter eligibility, legal safeguards
Prelims: Articles 324 and 326, voter eligibility, powers of ECI
Mains: Role of ECI in ensuring free and fair elections
UPSC Prelims MCQ
Q. With reference to the powers of the Election Commission of India, consider the following statements:
Article 324 empowers the ECI to conduct elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislatures only.
The preparation of electoral rolls is a part of the ECI's duties under Article 324.
Article 326 guarantees voting rights to every Indian citizen aged 21 or above.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 2 and 3 only
Answer: B. 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: ECI also conducts elections to the President and Vice-President.
Statement 2 is correct: Article 324 mentions control over electoral rolls.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Article 326 allows voting from 18 years, not 21.
UPSC Mains Question (GS2 – Polity)
Q. Article 324 empowers the Election Commission with wide-ranging authority to conduct free and fair elections. Critically examine the scope and limitations of these powers in light of judicial interpretations.
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