When Election Commission was rocked by internal disputes | Explained
This article provides a historical overview of the Election Commission of India, tracing its evolution from a single-member body to the current three-member commission. It highlights past internal disputes and legal challenges regarding the appointment and powers of Election Commissioners.
Why it matters
Understanding the history of the Election Commission is crucial for evaluating current institutional tensions and the constitutional balance of power within India's electoral oversight body.
The story so far: From Sukumar Sen's tenure, during which the first general election in India was held in 1951-52, to October 16, 1986, the Election Commission had only one member: the Chief Election Commissioner. In S.S. Dhanoa v. Union of India (1991), the Supreme Court stressed that under Article 342(2) of the Constitution, the President could fix and appoint as many Election Commissioners as he may, from time to time, determine, though it was desirable to have a multi-member commission. In October 1989, when the Rajiv Gandhi government was in power, the President notified the appointment of Mr. Dhanoa and V.S. Seigell as Election Commissioners to complete the team with Chief Election Commissioner R.V.S. Peri Sastry.
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