Give us power to make poll rules, EC tells SC

Note4students

Mains Paper 2: Polity | Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Election Commission of India, Article 324, Representation of the People Act 1950 & 1951

Mains level: Issues related to the autonomy of Election commission

News

Seeking amendment in the Constitutional provisions

1. Election Commission of India (EC) has sought an amendment in the Constitutional provisions seeking protection for election commissioners from being removed by the chief election commissioner
2. ECI explained that Article 324 was inadequate and requires an amendment to provide the very same protection and safeguard in the matter of removability of Election Commissioners from office as is available to the CEC

Power to make rules

1. EC has also sought power to make rules under the electoral law, instead of the Centre
2. Rulemaking authority under the Representation of the People Act 1950 and Representation of the People Act, 1951 currently vests with the Central government