About Election Commission of India 

• The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India. 
• The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.

Powers and Responsibilities

• The Commission’s functions and powers with respect to elections are divided into three categories (Administrative, Advisory, and Quasi-judicial). In detail, these powers include
  • Determining the Electoral Constituencies’ territorial areas throughout the country.
  • Preparing and periodically revising electoral rolls and registering all eligible voters.
  • Notifying the schedules and dates of elections and scrutinising nomination papers.
  • Granting recognition to the various political parties and allocating them election symbols.
  • The Commission also has advisory jurisdiction in the matter of post-election disqualification of sitting members of Parliament and State Legislatures.
  • It issues the Model Code of Conduct in elections for political parties and candidates so that no one indulges in unfair practice or there is no arbitrary abuse of powers by those in power.

Composition of Election Commission

• Since its inception in 1950, the election commission had been a one-member body with only the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) as its sole member. Later, two more election commissioners were appointed to the body and the Election Commission became a multi-member body with 3 election commissioners. 

Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners

• The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. 
• They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India. 
• According to Article 324 (5), the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) can be removed from office only through impeachment by Parliament. 
• However, the same constitutional provision is silent about the procedure for removal of the two Election Commissioners. It only provides that they cannot be removed from office except on the recommendation of the CEC.
• The Commission transacts its business by holding regular meetings and also by circulation of papers. All Election Commissioners have equal say in the decision making of the Commission.
• If the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners differ in opinion on any matter, such matters shall be decided according to the opinion of the majority.
• It should be noted that the Constitution has not prescribed the qualifications of the members of the Election Commission. 
• Also, the Constitution has not debarred the retiring election commissioners from any further appointment by the government.

Why in News?

• President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra to take over as Chief Election Commissioner from Sunil Arora, whose tenure ended on April 12.

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sushil-chandra-appointed-chief-election-commissioner/article34303884.ece