Delhi State Election Commission Explained

Delhi State Election Commission
Jurisdiction:	Delhi
Headquarters:	State Election Commission, NCT of Delhi & UT Chandigarh,Nigam Bhawan, Kashmere Gate, Delhi-110006
Chief1 Name:	Sri Anil Kumar Khachi, IAS (Retd.)
Chief1 Position:	Chief Election Commissioner

Delhi State Election Commission is an autonomous and statutory body constituted in Indian state of Delhi for ensuring that elections are conducted in free, fair and unbiased way. Constitution of India with provisions as per Article 243K and 243 ZA and Article 324 ensures creation and safeguarding of the powers of State Election Commissions. Delhi State Election Commission is responsible for conducting elections for Urban Local Bodies like Municipalities, Municipal Corporations, Panchayats and any other specified by Election Commission of India. Delhi State Election Commissioner is appointed by Lieutant Governor of Delhi.

History and Administration

Delhi State Election Commission was formed in accordance with powers of Election Commission of India, which was constituted in year 1950^[1] to supervise state level elections.^[2] State election commissioner is appointed by Governor.^{[3] [4]} To ensure the autonomy of the position, the Delhi state election commissioner cannot be removed from office except on the grounds and manner specified for judge of High Court.

Powers and Responsibilities

Delhi States Election Commissioner is responsible for the following:^[5]

• Releasing election schedule.
• Issue notification containing guidelines for conducting elections for Municipal Corporations in State.^[6]
• Conducting elections for Municipal Corporations in State.^{[7] [8] [9]}
• Issue notification containing guidelines for conducting elections for conducting elections for Municipal panchayats in State.
• Conducting elections for Municipal panchayats in State.
• Laying guidelines for persons eligible to contest in elections for Municipal Corporations in State.
• Conducting elections for Municipal panchayats in State.
• Model code of conduct are following in elections for local bodies.^[10]
• Updating Electoral rolls with new additions.^[11]
• Updating Electoral rolls with removals, if any.
• Declaration of results of elections held for Municipal Corporations in State.
• Declaration of results of elections held for Municipal panchayats in State.
• Ordering repoll if needed.
• Making arrangements for Statewide polls.
• Monitoring poll expenditure for Panchayat polls.
• Laying guidelines for issue of opinion polls.^[12]

Composition

Delhi State Election Commission is headed by Chief Election Commissioner and as many members as specified in State Act. State Election Commissioners are independent persons not holding position or office in any Central or State Government organisations^[13]

Sri Vijay Kumar Dev, is the Chief Election Commissioner of Delhi State Election Commission.^[14] His period of service will be 5 years or attaining an age of 65 years whichever is earlier.

Constitutional Requirements

Delhi State Election Commission was formed after amendment of Constitution with 73rd and 74th declaration.^[15] State Election Commissions were formed as per Article 243K of the Constitution, similar to setting up of Election commission of India as per Article 324.

See also

• Election Commission of India

External links

• Official Website

Notes and References

1. News: WHAT IS ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA (ECI)? . 6 December 2021 . Business Standard India.
2. News: State election panels: Independent of central EC, with similar powers . 6 December 2021 . The Indian Express . 12 April 2018 . en.
3. News: India Code: Section Details . 6 December 2021 . www.indiacode.nic.in.
4. News: State Election Commissioner Conditions of Service Rules, 1994 . 6 December 2021 . www.bareactslive.com.
5. News: Election Commission directs all state electoral officers to immediately redress all pending voter applications . 6 December 2021 . The Statesman . 23 November 2021.
6. News: Rao . Madhu . Delhi MCD election 2021: 73 nominations filed for February 28 polls . 13 December 2021 . indiatvnews.com . 9 February 2021 . en.
7. News: MCD Election 2017: Voting begins for Delhi's civic body polls . 13 December 2021 . Firstpost . 23 April 2017 . en.
8. News: MCD bypolls Nearly 43% voters turnout till 3:30 p.m. . 13 December 2021 . The Hindu . 28 February 2021 . en-IN.
9. News: Voting begins on slow note in Delhi civic ward India.com . 13 December 2021 . india.com . 21 May 2017 . en.
10. News: MCD election: Delhi poll panel asks govt to drop ‘Aam’ from hoardings, party cries foul . 13 December 2021 . Hindustan Times . 22 March 2017 . en.
11. News: Delhi begins revision of electoral rolls; last date to apply is November 30 . 13 December 2021 . Hindustan Times . 2 November 2021 . en.
12. News: MCD elections: Delhi Election Commission issues notice to 2 channels for airing opinion polls . https://web.archive.org/web/20170426184507/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2017/apr/23/mcd-elections-delhi-election-commission-issues-notice-to-2-channels-for-airing-opinion-polls-1596933.html . dead . 26 April 2017 . 13 December 2021 . The New Indian Express . 23 April 2017.
13. News: State election commissioners should be independent, says SC . www.telegraphindia.com . 13 March 2021.
14. News: Appointment of Delhi chief secy as election commissioner challenged in High Court . 13 December 2021 . ANI News . 8 December 2021 . en.
15. News: India State Election - Find information of all State elections in India . 6 December 2021 . www.elections.in.