Q. Consider the following statements:
1.The Constitution envisages the Election Commission (ECI) as an independent body that is responsible for conducting free and fair elections.
2.Under the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, a four-member Selection Committee is responsible for selecting ECs for the appointment.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
Explanation –
Statement 1 is correct. The Constitution envisions the Election Commission of India (ECI) as an independent body responsible for conducting free and fair elections. Article 324 of the Constitution establishes the ECI, consisting of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two other Election Commissioners, to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Under the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, a three-member Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister, Cabinet Minister, and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha (or leader of the single largest opposition party) will select Election Commissioners for the appointment. A Search Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary will suggest five names to the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee may consider any person other than those suggested by the Search Committee.
Source: The Hindu
