Part XV: Elections
Articles 324–329A · Part XV sets up the Election Commission of India and the basic constitutional rules for elections to Parliament and State Legislatures — the machinery that turns Article 326's promise of universal adult suffrage into actual, regularly held elections.
The provisions in this Part cited most often
With landmark Supreme Court cases that shaped how they're actually applied.
Superintendence, direction and control of elections vested in the Election Commission
Gives the Election Commission of India sweeping, largely independent power to conduct free and fair elections — including, courts have held, filling genuine gaps in election law when Parliament hasn't legislated on a specific issue.
Elections on the basis of universal adult suffrage
The constitutional source of every Indian citizen's right to vote from age 18 — regardless of religion, race, caste, sex, or literacy — for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
All of Articles 324–329A
Grouped by subject so related provisions stay together — every article number in this Part is covered below.
Election Commission of India
Vests superintendence, direction and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President/Vice-President in the Election Commission.
No discrimination in electoral rolls
No citizen can be excluded from, or claim special treatment in, an electoral roll on grounds of religion, race, caste or sex.
Universal adult suffrage
Elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies are on the basis of adult suffrage — every citizen 18 or older, not otherwise disqualified, can vote.
Power of Parliament to make election laws
The basis for the Representation of the People Acts, 1950 and 1951 governing elections to Parliament and State Legislatures.
Power of a State Legislature to make election laws
A residual, backup power for State Legislatures to legislate on their own Legislature's elections, only where Parliament hasn't already done so.
Bar on court interference in electoral matters
Election laws generally can't be challenged before an election happens, and election results can only be questioned through a specific election petition, not an ordinary lawsuit or writ.
(Repealed)
Originally inserted during the Emergency to specially shield the Prime Minister's own election from challenge; repealed by the 44th Amendment, 1978 after the Emergency ended.
Related rights categories
Quick answers about this Part
Can I go to court to challenge an election result directly?
Is the Election Commission independent of the government?
This is a plain-language guide to Part XV of the Constitution of India for general educational purposes, not a substitute for the bare text of the Constitution or professional legal advice. Article numbering and content reflect amendments up to 2026; always cross-check the authoritative text at india.gov.in or legislative.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter.