The Election Commission of India: A Question on its Autonomy

The Election Commission of India (the ECI) is envisioned as an autonomous body that represents the affirmed motivation behind seeking the goals of free and fair elections in the country. But due to various events in the upcoming years, this image of the ECI, being independent of the outside influences has been tarnished. This paper outsets by throwing some light on the history and purpose for establishing the ECI by our Constitutional makers. It also highlights how the ECI has emerged as the guardian of the Indian democracy by superintending, directing and controlling the election procedures. Despite this superior role, the ECI faces numerous challenges, one of which being the challenge of being independent and unbiased. There have been a lot of controversies on this subject that have been duly examined in the paper by citing appropriate illustrations. With the change in the governance, the Commission has also needed to adjust to the evolving conditions. Hence, it is vital to point out that the ECI has definitely proved to be flexible with the wide idea of its sacred system by adapting to various modern initiatives. What has arisen in the course of the last six-and-a-half decade, is an Election Commission that has significant powers, indeed, far more prominent than its counterparts in the other democracies. Lastly, the paper has put across the way forward for smooth conduct of the election process in the country.