Consider the following statements : 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. 3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Statement 3 is correct: under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, the Election Commission decides disputes over splits and mergers of recognised parties (e.g. Shiv Sena, 2023).
• Statement 1 is wrong: the Commission has three members — the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
• Statement 2 is wrong: the Election Commission, not the Home Ministry, fixes the election schedule under Article 324.
• Hence 3 only, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statements 1 and 2 are wrong: three members, and ECI sets schedules.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: ECI, not MHA, sets the schedule.
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 2 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.