Article 329(b):

Part XV of Constitution: Articles 324-329 discuss elections.

Article 324:

Grants Election Commission of India (ECI) control over elections.

Article 329:

Concerns the judiciary's role in elections.

329(a):

Judiciary can't challenge laws on electoral boundaries or seat allocation.

329(b):

Amended by 19th Amendment Act, 1966; elections can only be questioned via election petitions to designated authority.

Representation of the People Act, 1951:

High courts handle election petitions; decisions can be appealed in the Supreme Court.

SC Rulings:

• Ponnuswamy Judgment (1952): Courts can't interfere in the election process once started.
• K. Venkatachalam vs. A. Swamickan (1999): Article 329(b) not applicable to Articles 191 and 193 (disqualifications and penalties).

Election Commission of India (ECI)

Established:

January 25, 1950.

Authority:

Article 324.

Functions:

• Supervises elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, President, and Vice-President.

Composition:

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners.

Appointment:

By the President of India.

Tenure:

6 years or until 65 years of age.

Independence:

Removal similar to a Supreme Court judge.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct free and fair elections.
• Prepare/update electoral rolls.
• Monitor candidate nominations.
• Oversee election expenditure.
• Enforce Model Code of Conduct.
• Ensure compliance with election laws.