


{"id":70738,"date":"2026-04-15T10:55:46","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T05:25:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=70738"},"modified":"2026-04-16T16:41:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T11:11:17","slug":"election-commission-of-india-eci","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/election-commission-of-india-eci\/","title":{"rendered":"Election Commission of India (ECI), Structure, Framework, Composition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections to the Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President of India. Established on 25 January 1950, the Commission ensures that elections are conducted freely, fairly, and transparently across the country. Its work upholds the democratic principle of universal adult suffrage guaranteed by the Constitution under Article 326. The ECI\u2019s independence and credibility are vital to maintaining India\u2019s democratic integrity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Election Commission of India<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Election Commission of India derives its powers and responsibilities from Article 324 of the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/indian-constitution\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Indian Constitution<\/strong><\/a>. It is a <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/constitutional-bodies\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>constitutional body<\/strong><\/a>, independent of government influence, tasked with supervising the entire electoral process. Initially a single-member body, it became a multi-member Commission in 1993, consisting of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners. The ECI manages over 97 crore registered voters (as per 2024 data) and conducts elections in more than 10 lakh polling stations nationwide.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Election Commission of India Structure<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. It is a multi-member commission responsible for supervising elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. Originally, it had only one Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), but since October 1993, it became a three-member body. The Commission operates as a collegiate body, ensuring collective decision-making. It has a permanent secretariat at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, and functions independently of government control. Its structure ensures autonomy, impartiality, and accountability in the electoral process as mandated by the Constitution.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Election Commission of India Composition<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ECI comprises the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs), as provided under Article 324(2) of the Constitution. The President of India determines the number of Commissioners from time to time. All three members enjoy equal powers, salaries, and status, and decisions are taken collectively through majority vote. The Chief Election Commissioner acts as the head of the institution, ensuring smooth coordination. The administrative staff is drawn from central and state government services. This composition aims to maintain checks and balances within the Commission, upholding transparency and non-partisanship in the conduct of elections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As of 2025 the members of Election Commission of India are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chief Election Commissioner (CEC): Shri Gyanesh Kumar<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Election Commissioners: Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Chief Election Commissioner is the head of the Election Commission of India and ensures the independence and integrity of the electoral process.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CEC is appointed by the President of India under Article 324(2) of the Constitution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CEC\u2019s role is crucial in enforcing the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/model-code-of-conduct\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Model Code of Conduct<\/strong><\/a> (MCC), supervising voter rolls, and ensuring impartial conduct of elections.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Supreme Court in T.N. Seshan vs Union of India (1995) upheld that all Election Commissioners are equal in power and status, ensuring collective functioning.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CEC is considered the guardian of India\u2019s electoral democracy, accountable only to Parliament and the Constitution.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Election Commissioners Appointment<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India under Article 324(2). Though the Constitution does not specify a detailed procedure, the appointment is made on the advice of the Council of Ministers. However, several legal experts and the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/supreme-court-of-india\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Supreme Court<\/strong><\/a> (in March 2023) have recommended a collegium system involving the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and Chief Justice of India to ensure transparency until Parliament enacts law. Their appointment order is issued by the President, and their terms, conditions, and service benefits are defined under the<\/span><b> Election Commission (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1992<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Election Commissioners Tenure<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under the<\/span><b> Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, each Election Commissioner, including the CEC, holds office for six years or until attaining the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. This fixed tenure provides functional independence and stability. Their salaries and allowances are equivalent to those of Judges of the Supreme Court, ensuring parity with other high constitutional offices. Article 324(5) protects their tenure by stating that their service cannot be varied to their disadvantage after appointment. Such constitutional safeguards ensure autonomy and prevent arbitrary interference by the executive branch.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Election Commissioners Resignation and Removal<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Election Commissioners may resign from office by submitting a written resignation to the President of India. However, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) enjoys stronger constitutional protection. Under Article 324(5), the CEC can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court, that is, by a special majority of both Houses of Parliament on proven misbehavior or incapacity. Other Election Commissioners can be removed only on the recommendation of the CEC. This system ensures the Commission\u2019s independence, preventing misuse of executive power and preserving the institution\u2019s credibility and neutrality in elections.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Election Commission of India Powers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Commission enjoys wide-ranging powers to ensure the integrity, neutrality, and transparency of the electoral process across India.Key Powers:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Administrative Powers: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Control over election schedules, polling arrangements, and the deployment of polling staff.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Advisory Powers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Advises the President and Governors on matters related to disqualification of members.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Quasi-Judicial Powers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Decides disputes regarding political party recognition and symbols under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Regulatory Powers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Enforces the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and monitors election expenditure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Disciplinary Powers: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can direct transfers or suspension of officials for election-related misconduct.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Election Commission of India Functions<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ECI performs multiple functions to ensure free, fair, and periodic elections in accordance with democratic principles. Major Functions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Conduct of Elections: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supervises, directs, and controls elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and high offices.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Delimitation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Election Commission of India (ECI) does not directly have delimitation powers; instead, it oversees the process, which is conducted by a separate, temporary Delimitation Commission established by the Central Government.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Electoral Rolls:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Prepares, revises, and updates voter lists through continuous revision and SIR (<a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/special-intensive-revision-of-electoral-rolls\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Special Intensive Revision<\/strong><\/a>).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Registration of Political Parties:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Recognizes parties and allots election symbols.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Voter Education:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Promotes awareness under the Systematic Voters\u2019 Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Monitoring Expenditure: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensures transparency through election expenditure audits and monitoring teams.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Election Commission of India Constitutional Provisions<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Election Commission of India is established under Article 324 of the Constitution to ensure free and fair elections in India. Key Constitutional Provisions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Article 324(1):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Grants the ECI the power to conduct elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Article 324(2):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Empowers the President to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Article 324(5):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Provides protection to the tenure and service conditions of the CEC, ensuring independence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These provisions ensure the ECI acts as an autonomous constitutional authority, not subordinate to any executive or legislature.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Election Commission of India Legal Safeguards<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The legal framework guarantees the Commission\u2019s independence and shields it from executive or political influence during elections. Major Legal Provisions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Article 324(5): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protects the CEC\u2019s tenure and prevents arbitrary removal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Defines tenure, salaries, and conditions of service.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Representation of the People Acts (1950 &amp; 1951):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Provide detailed election procedures, voter eligibility, and dispute resolution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Indian Penal Code &amp; Conduct of Election Rules, 1961:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Penalize malpractices like bribery, booth capturing, and false nominations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These legal safeguards collectively ensure institutional autonomy and operational transparency.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Election Commission of India Government Policies<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To strengthen electoral integrity, several policy measures and reforms have been introduced by the government in consultation with the ECI. Key Policies and Their Impact:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Electoral Bond Scheme (2018): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Introduced to improve transparency in political funding, though under judicial scrutiny.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/one-nation-one-election-bill\/\" target=\"_blank\">One Nation, One Election<\/a> (Proposal): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aims to synchronize national and state elections, reducing expenditure and administrative burden.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Voter ID-Aadhaar Linking Drive (Proposal):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ensures cleaner voter rolls by removing duplicate entries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Remote Voting Prototype (Proposal): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Designed to allow migrant workers to vote from other locations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Awareness Campaigns (SVEEP):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Promotes voter education and participation, increasing turnout rates to over 67% in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Election Commission of India Independence<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The independence of the Election Commission is fundamental to Indian democracy. The Constitution grants it autonomy, but its accountability mechanisms ensure transparency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Accountability Measures:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Judicial review of Commission decisions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parliamentary oversight through questions and debates.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Media transparency and publication of detailed election reports.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Measures Ensuring Independence:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fixed Tenure: CEC and ECs hold office for six years or till the age of 65.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security of Tenure: CEC can be removed only by parliamentary impeachment similar to a Supreme Court judge.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equal Status: All commissioners enjoy equal decision-making power.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial Autonomy: ECI\u2019s budget is charged on the Consolidated Fund of India, ensuring executive non-interference.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neutrality in Appointments: Recent Supreme Court directives advocate a collegium-based selection process for transparency.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Election Commission of India Case Laws<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several judicial decisions have strengthened the constitutional position and functioning of the ECI:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">S. Subramaniam Balaji v. State of Tamil Nadu (2013): Directed the ECI to enforce the Model Code of Conduct more stringently.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Union of India v. Association for Democratic Reforms (2002): Mandated disclosure of candidates\u2019 criminal, educational, and financial backgrounds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PUCL v. Union of India (2003): Recognized the Right to Vote as part of the freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A.C. Jose v. Sivan Pillai (1984): Affirmed that the ECI has plenary powers under Article 324 to ensure free elections.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ADR vs. Election Commission (2024): The Supreme Court emphasized transparency in voter list revisions under SIR, ensuring uniform procedures across states.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>Election Commission of India Challenges<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite its achievements, the ECI faces several operational and institutional challenges:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Political Pressure and Allegations of Bias: Increasing accusations of partisanship affect its credibility.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Voter Exclusion: Issues in electoral roll verification, especially during Special Intensive Revisions (SIR), lead to disenfranchisement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Election Expenditure: Unchecked campaign spending and unaccounted political donations undermine transparency.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fake News and Electoral Manipulation: Social media misinformation impacts voter behavior.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital Divide: Limited accessibility of digital services in rural areas hinders full participation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b>Way Forward:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Establish a collegium system for appointment of Election Commissioners.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide statutory backing for the Model Code of Conduct.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expand voter education programs in marginalized communities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enhance cyber resilience through AI-based monitoring.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthen coordination with social media platforms to curb misinformation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Election Commission of India Technology Integration<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ECI has significantly integrated technology into election management, ensuring faster, more secure, and transparent processes. Key Digital Initiatives:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EVMs and VVPATs: Ensure tamper-proof voting and verifiable paper trails.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cVIGIL App: Allows citizens to report Model Code violations in real time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ERONet and NVSP Portal: Facilitate online voter registration and roll management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suvidha and Samadhan Portals: Streamline candidate permissions and grievance redressal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Garuda App: Enables Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to conduct door-to-door verification digitally.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Election Commission of India Significance<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Election Commission acts as the foundation of India\u2019s democracy, ensuring the people\u2019s mandate is exercised freely, fairly, and periodically.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Democratic Legitimacy: Upholds citizens\u2019 right to vote under Article 326, maintaining public confidence in electoral outcomes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Institutional Stability: Ensures smooth transitions of power without conflict, protecting the essence of parliamentary democracy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inclusivity: Implements initiatives like SVEEP and Accessible Elections Project to include marginalized groups, PwDs, and senior citizens.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technological Reforms: Adoption of EVMs, VVPAT, and digital voter roll systems enhances transparency and reduces human error.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Global Recognition: India\u2019s ECI is often cited as a model for electoral management by international organizations like the UNDP and International IDEA.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Election Commission of India UPSC<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced Phase 2 of its nationwide \u201cSpecial Intensive Revision\u201d (SIR) of electoral rolls, covering 12 states and Union Territories from November 4, 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exercise will affect around 51 crore electors, aiming for a final roll publication on February 7, 2026.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">States involved include major poll-bound regions such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and Puducherry.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ECI clarified that Aadhaar card and 13 other documents may be used for identity proof, though concerns over potential disenfranchisement have been raised by opposition parties.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The revision follows the earlier SIR pilot in Bihar, where the ECI reported zero appeals or complaints relating to deletions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some states have questioned the timeline and scope of the exercise, arguing that it should not proceed in a short span of 2-3 months given migration and administrative challenges.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Election Commission of India is a constitutional body ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in India with independent powers under Article 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