Election Commission of India (ECI)
Constitutional Basis
• Article 324 establishes the Election Commission of India.
Composition
• Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
• Election Commissioners (ECs)
• Currently a multi-member body; number decided by the President
Appointment
• Appointed by: President of India
• Basis: Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023
• Selection panel includes:
• Prime Minister
• Leader of Opposition
• A Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister
Removal Process
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
• Removed like a Supreme Court judge.
• Article 324(5): Removal only by Parliament.
• Requires a special majority in both Houses.
• Grounds: Proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
Election Commissioners (ECs)
• Can be removed only on the recommendation of the CEC.
