Rajasthan Assures Supreme Court on Local Body Polls by April Next Year

सही उत्तर: C

Statement 1 is correct. Article 243K (for Panchayats) and 243ZA (for Municipalities) mandate the SEC to superintend, direct, and control the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to these bodies. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Governor appoints the State Election Commissioner, their conditions of service and tenure are determined by the state legislature, subject to the constitutional provisions, to ensure independence. The Constitution specifies that the conditions of service of the State Election Commissioner shall not be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment. Statement 3 is correct. Article 243K(2) and 243ZA(2) state that a State Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his office except in like manner and on like grounds as a Judge of a High Court. This provision is crucial for ensuring the independence of the SEC.

सही उत्तर: C

Statement A is correct. Article 243F(1)(a) specifies 21 years as the minimum age for contesting elections to a Panchayat. Statement B is correct. Article 243I (for Panchayats) and 243Y (for Municipalities) mandate the constitution of a State Finance Commission every five years to review the financial position of these bodies and make recommendations to the Governor. Statement C is incorrect. Delimitation of constituencies for local body elections (Panchayats and Municipalities) is typically carried out by a state-level authority, often a Delimitation Commission constituted by the state government or the State Election Commission itself, as per the laws enacted by the state legislature. The Delimitation Commission of India is primarily responsible for delimitation of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies. Statement D is correct. Article 243D (for Panchayats) and 243T (for Municipalities) mandate reservation of seats for SCs and STs in proportion to their population at all levels.

सही उत्तर: A

Assertion (A) is true. Timely elections to Panchayats and Municipalities are fundamental to democratic decentralization, ensuring local representation, accountability, and responsiveness to grassroots needs. They empower citizens and bring governance closer to the people. Reason (R) is also true. As seen in the news, the Supreme Court and High Courts frequently intervene when state governments delay local body elections, exercising their power of judicial review to uphold the constitutional provisions (Articles 243E, 243U, 243K, 243ZA) that mandate regular elections. This judicial oversight ensures that the spirit of the 73rd and 74th CAAs is maintained. Furthermore, R is the correct explanation of A because the judiciary's intervention directly addresses the delays that undermine democratic decentralization, thereby reinforcing the importance of timely elections.