Rajiv Kumar is the current Chief Election Commissioner of India, appointed on 15 May 2022.

The Election Commission of India was established on 25 January 1950, under Article 324 of the Constitution of India.

The primary function of the Election Commission of India is to conduct free and fair elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and state legislative assemblies.

The Election Commission of India consists of three members: the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

The members of the Election Commission of India are appointed by the President of India.

The Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners have a term of office of six years.

An election petition must be filed within 45 days of the declaration of results, accompanied by a security deposit, and filed in the High Court of the state where the election was held.

An election petition can be filed on the grounds of bribery, undue influence, personation, or any other corrupt practice.

Election petitions are decided by the High Court of the state where the election was held.

If an election petition is successful, the election of the returned candidate is declared void, a fresh election is ordered, and the petitioner may be awarded compensation.

Election petitions must be decided within six months from the date of filing.

An appeal can be filed against the decision of the High Court in an election petition to the Supreme Court.

The Election Commission of India monitors the election petition process and ensures that it is conducted in a fair and impartial manner.

The Election Commission of India faces challenges such as political interference, electoral malpractices, and lack of resources in conducting free and fair elections.

The Election Commission of India has taken measures such as introducing electronic voting machines, implementing a strict code of conduct for political parties and candidates, and increasing the number of polling stations to ensure free and fair elections.