The question asks for the primary reason behind the Election Commission becoming a multi-member body in October 1989. We need to identify the significant electoral reform or event that occurred around that time which would necessitate an increased workload for the Election Commission.
Correct Option: A) Reduction of the voting age from 21 to 18 years. This change, enacted by the 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988, dramatically increased the electorate, thereby necessitating a multi-member Election Commission to manage the expanded responsibilities and workload effectively. The Election Commission was made a multi-member body for the first time on October 16, 1989, specifically to handle the preparations for the 1989 general elections, which were the first to be held after the reduction of the voting age.
The question asks about the year when the Election Commission of India became a stable multi-member body of three members again after a period of being a single-member body. This requires knowledge of the historical evolution of the Election Commission's structure.
Therefore, the year it became a stable multi-member body of three again is 1993.
Correct Option: D) 1993
The question asks about the Supreme Court's ruling in T.N. Seshan v. Union of India (1995) concerning the powers of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (ECs). This case significantly clarified the functional equality within the Election Commission of India.
Correct Option: D) All Election Commissioners, including the CEC, have equal powers, and decisions are taken collectively/by majority
This option accurately reflects the Supreme Court's judgment in T.N. Seshan v. Union of India (1995), which established the principle of collegiality within the Election Commission, meaning all members, including the CEC, hold equal decision-making power and decisions are made by consensus or majority vote.
The question asks about the role of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) when other Election Commissioners (ECs) are appointed, as per Article 324(3) of the Indian Constitution. This requires knowledge of the structure and functioning of the Election Commission of India.
Correct Option: C) Chairman of the Election Commission
As per Article 324(3) of the Constitution, when other Election Commissioners are appointed, the Chief Election Commissioner explicitly acts as the Chairman of the Election Commission. This role involves presiding over meetings and guiding the commission's work, while decisions are made collectively.
The question asks to identify which elections are NOT handled by the Election Commission of India (ECI), specifically those for which a separate constitutional authority exists. This requires knowledge of the constitutional mandate of the ECI and other election bodies in India.
Correct Option: D) Panchayats and Municipalities (handled by State Election Commissions)
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a permanent and independent body established by the Constitution of India to ensure free and fair elections in the country. However, its jurisdiction does not extend to local body elections (Panchayats and Municipalities). These elections are conducted by separate constitutional bodies called State Election Commissions, which are established under Articles 243K and 243ZA of the Constitution.
The question asks about the appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (ECs) prior to the changes introduced in 2023. This requires knowledge of the constitutional provisions and established practices regarding these appointments.
Therefore, prior to 2023, the appointments were effectively made by the President on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers.
Correct Option: B) The Union Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister