UPSC Mains 2022 · GS II · Q15 · 15 marks · 250 words

Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct.

हिन्दी में

आदर्श आचार-संहिता के उद्भव के आलोक में, भारत के निर्वाचन आयोग की भूमिका का विवेचन कीजिए ।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “The role of Election Commission of India has evolved beyond conducting elections to becoming a guardian of electoral democracy. Critically evaluate.”

Surabhi YadavAIR 14 · CSE 2025 · 162 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

Supreme Court has noted that Election Commission era can be divided into pre and Post TN Seshan era, emphasising the evolving role of Election commission as an guardian of electoral democracy. [Election Commission as guardian of Electoral Democracy]

Body · points and prose

ration of Electoral Rolls Constitutional Role of Election C. -> Conduct Elections to Prez, VP, MPs & MLAs. Constitutional Role of Election C. -> Solve election symbol dispute Constitutional Role of Election C. -> Recognise political parties

[Election Commission as guardian of Electoral Democracy]

  1. Strict enforcement of MCC [es] TN Seshan delayed election to enforce.

  2. last mile connectivity [es] Electoral Booth every 5 KM to ensure [Universal Adult Franchise]

  1. Use of ICT [es] Mobile based voting introduced in Bihar.

  2. Transparency [es] Publishing of Voting Data post-election.

  3. Non-Partisan Role [es] Dedicated time to each party on nation Television.

  4. Monitoring all Media [es] Social Media campaigns part of MCC (2024 elections)

[Challenges in Recent Days]

  • Delayed Action or No Action [es] Hate speech during 2019 election.
  • Transparency Issues [es] deleting voting Data in 48 hours.
  • Tech Use challenges [es] Allegations & Concerns over EVM tampering.

Close · a summary

Nonetheless, EC has remained Important Pillar of [India's 75 years of Democracy] - Largest Participative democracy.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2022, General Studies Paper II, Q15. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.