Which of the following pairs are correctly matched- I. Conduct of elections of President and Vice President | Representation of t…

Question

Which of the following pairs are correctly matched-

1. A. I only
2. B. I and II only
3. C. II and III only (Correct answer)
4. D. All of the above

Correct Answer

Option C — II and III only

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is II and III only.

Key Points

• Examining each pair:
  • Pair I is INCORRECTLY matched. The conduct of elections to the offices of President and Vice-President is governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, together with Articles 54, 55 and 66 of the Constitution — not by the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
  • Pair II is CORRECTLY matched. Disqualifications for contesting elections are set out in the Representation of the People Act, 1951, principally in Sections 8 to 11A.
  • Pair III is CORRECTLY matched. The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 years by the 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988, which amended Article 326. It took effect from 28 March 1989.
• The correctly matched pairs are therefore II and III.

Additional Information

• The division of subject matter between the two Representation of the People Acts:
  • RPA, 1950 — allocation of seats, delimitation of constituencies, qualifications of voters, and preparation of electoral rolls.
  • RPA, 1951 — the actual conduct of elections, qualifications and disqualifications of candidates, corrupt practices, electoral offences and election disputes.
• Key disqualifications under Section 8 of the RPA, 1951: conviction for specified offences; conviction carrying a sentence of two years or more, which disqualifies for the term of imprisonment plus six further years; corrupt practices; failure to lodge election expenses; and holding an office of profit.
• Landmark judgments: ***Lily Thomas v. Union of India* (2013) struck down Section 8(4), so a convicted legislator is disqualified immediately rather than being protected while an appeal is pending. *Union of India v. Association for Democratic Reforms* (2002)** made the disclosure of assets and criminal antecedents compulsory.
• The Election Commission of India is established under Article 324; it has been a three-member body since 1993.