Q. With reference to the Election Commission of India, consider the following statements:
1.The Election Commission is explicitly empowered by the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to de-register a political party on the grounds of violating the Constitution.
2.The scheduling and conduct of elections to both the Parliament and the State Legislatures fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the ECI.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B
Notes:

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is incorrect: While the RPA 1951 allows the ECI to register parties (Section 29A), the Supreme Court has ruled that the ECI does not have the statutory power to de-register them for internal violations (except in limited cases like fraud or the party becoming illegal).
  • Statement 2 is correct: Under Article 324, the ECI has the power of superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to Parliament and State Legislatures.
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