By establishing a selection panel free of executive bias for the appointment of Election Commissioners, the Election Commission can be better equipped to fulfil its mandate of conducting free and fair elections. Critically analyse.

Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

2. By establishing a selection panel free of executive bias for the appointment of Election Commissioners, the Election Commission can be better equipped to fulfil its mandate of conducting free and fair elections. Critically analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question: The quick, if not hasty, filling up of two vacancies in the Election Commission of India (ECI) has attracted justified criticism. Key Demand of the question: To write about the process of appointment of Election commissioners and need for an independent body to appoint them. Directive word: Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by writing about Article 324 to 329. Body: First, write about the mechanism of appointment of election commissioners in India. Next, write about the various issues in the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 – downgrade the Election Commission’s status to that of a Cabinet Secretary, No CJI in the selection panel, autonomy of the commission, influence of executive branch of government etc. Next, write about the measures to ensure autonomy and independence of election commission. Conclusion: Conclude with a balanced opinion.

Why the question:

The quick, if not hasty, filling up of two vacancies in the Election Commission of India (ECI) has attracted justified criticism.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the process of appointment of Election commissioners and need for an independent body to appoint them.

Directive word:

Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by writing about Article 324 to 329.

First, write about the mechanism of appointment of election commissioners in India.

Next, write about the various issues in the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 – downgrade the Election Commission’s status to that of a Cabinet Secretary, No CJI in the selection panel, autonomy of the commission, influence of executive branch of government etc.

Next, write about the measures to ensure autonomy and independence of election commission.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a balanced opinion.