Constitutional Bodies and Watchdogs
Key facts about India's independent constitutional watchdogs like the ECI, CAG, and UPSC.
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Questions Covered in This Set
10 cards to master
What is a constitutional body?
A body created directly by the Constitution; altering or abolishing it requires a constitutional amendment under Article 368.
What is a statutory body? Give two examples.
A body created by an ordinary law of Parliament, changeable by another ordinary law — e.g., the NHRC (1993 Act) and the Lokpal (2013 Act).
Which article establishes the Election Commission of India?
Article 324, vesting superintendence, direction and control of elections to Parliament, State legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President.
Who conducts panchayat and municipal elections?
State Election Commissions under Articles 243K and 243ZA — not the Election Commission of India.
How can the Chief Election Commissioner be removed?
Only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge — proved misbehaviour or incapacity, via parliamentary address with a special majority.
How are the other two Election Commissioners removed?
By the President, but only on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
What did Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023) decide?
The Supreme Court directed that ECI appointments be made by a committee of the PM, Leader of the Opposition and the CJI, until Parliament legislated — which it did in 2023, replacing the CJI with a Union Cabinet Minister.
Which articles govern the Comptroller and Auditor General?
Articles 148–151. Ambedkar called the CAG 'probably the most important officer under the Constitution of India'.
Is NITI Aayog a constitutional body?
No — it is an executive (non-statutory) body created by a 2015 Cabinet resolution, replacing the Planning Commission.
What is the Model Code of Conduct?
Rules enforced by the ECI once elections are announced; the ECI can also register parties, allot symbols, and countermand polls (e.g., Vellore, 2019).
