Electoral Integrity and Institutional Reforms: UPSC Current Affairs Analysis & Study Strategy

In-Depth Analysis

The Big Picture

The Indian electoral landscape is shifting from a focus on mere conduct of polls to a deeper regulatory oversight of political entities and voter data integrity. Central to this is the tension between administrative efficiency (Simultaneous Polls, ECI logistics) and democratic transparency (Electoral Bond scrutiny, Voter roll accuracy). The judiciary is increasingly acting as a second-tier supervisor, ensuring that the Election Commission's (ECI) vast powers under Article 324 are exercised with procedural fairness.

Cross-Theme Insight

When viewed together, the threads reveal a 'Regulatory Push' by the ECI to formalize political party behavior—not just during polls, but as permanent corporate-like entities. The simultaneous delisting of inactive parties (RUPPs), mandating constitutional updates for parties, and tightening digital campaign rules suggests an evolution from a poll-manager to a year-round political regulator. This is complemented by the push for 'Simultaneous Polls', which seeks to merge political and administrative cycles into a single, synchronized event.

Textbook vs Reality Gap

Standard textbooks like 'Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth (7th ed.)' describe the 84th Amendment Act of 2001 as having 'frozen the readjustment of seats until 2026' (p. 224, 530). However, the 2025 news items show a brewing constitutional crisis as southern states pass resolutions to freeze seats for another 25 years beyond 2026, while the Law Ministry introduces the 129th Amendment Bill to synchronize elections—a move that challenges the static 'waiting period' until 2026 by introducing structural changes before the freeze expires.

How This Theme Is Evolving

The trajectory shows a shift toward 'Data-Driven Elections' (searchable electoral bonds, CCTV restrictions, SIR digital data). In 2025-26, the ECI is transitioning from a 'moral authority' using the Model Code of Conduct to a 'digital enforcer' using technical guidelines for online campaigns and voter fraud detection.

UPSC Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Pattern

Recent questions have shifted from basic ECI functions to specific regulatory powers. CDS-II 2018 (NID 14082) tested ECI's core powers, while IAS 2017 (NID 5735) focused on the ECI's role in resolving disputes of recognized parties. The current 2025 news regarding delisting RUPPs and party constitutions directly builds on this trend of testing the ECI's 'quasi-judicial' and 'administrative' nuances.

Probable Prelims Angles

• Distinction between RPA 1950 (rolls, seat allocation) and RPA 1951 (conduct of polls, disqualification).
• Statutory timeline for bypolls: Section 151A of RPA 1951 (6-month rule).
• Power of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to include voters without full documents.
• Criteria for delisting Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (failure to contest for 6 years).
• Difference between Article 324 (ECI Powers) and Article 326 (Adult Suffrage).

Mains Answer Framework

• The sanctity of Indian democracy rests not just on the act of voting, but on the institutional integrity of the Election Commission and the transparency of political finance.
• The ECI's push for party accountability (delisting RUPPs, updating constitutions) addresses the 'legal and financial privileges' gap misused by shell parties.. The 'One Nation One Election' proposal (129th Amendment) balances administrative cost-cutting against the 'Basic Structure' concerns of federalism.. Judicial oversight in electoral roll revisions (West Bengal SIR case) ensures that executive efficiency does not lead to mass disenfranchisement.
• Electoral reforms must move beyond logistics toward 'substantive representation' where transparency in funding and voter data security are non-negotiable.

Essay Connections

• 'Technology in Elections: Empowerment or Surveillance?' — use ECI’s CCTV restrictions and SIR digital data probes.
• 'Federalism in the age of Simultaneous Polls' — use the 129th Amendment Bill and the seat-freeze resolutions by southern states.

Preparation Strategy

Reading Approach

Begin with Laxmikanth Chapter 43 to establish the constitutional baseline of Article 324. Then, review the 84th Amendment details in the 'Parliament' chapter to understand the 2026 deadline. Finally, overlay the news threads on Simultaneous Polls and delisting parties to see the current institutional evolution.

Textbook Roadmap

• Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth (7th ed.) > Chapter 43: Election Commission. Threads 5 & 6 (ECI powers to delist parties and regulate internal party structure).. Powers and functions (Administrative, Advisory, Quasi-Judicial).
• Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth (7th ed.) > Chapter 81: Election Laws. Threads 1 & 7 (RPA 1950/1951 and Electoral Roll maintenance).. Provisions of RPA 1950 vs RPA 1951.

Revision Bullets

• Rule 49B: Mandates color photographs of candidates on EVM ballot papers (from Bihar 2025).
• Section 151A RPA 1951: Bypolls must be held within 6 months of vacancy.
• 84th Amendment Act: Froze Lok Sabha seats on 1971 census basis until 2026.
• 1200 voters: New maximum limit per polling station set for Bihar 2025.
• 45 days: Retention period for CCTV/webcast footage of polling stations before destruction.
• 345 RUPPs: Number of parties targeted for delisting in mid-2025 for inactivity.

Sub-Themes and News Coverage (8 themes, 26 news items)

Scrutiny of Political Finance and Electoral Transparency

Focus: A collection of judicial interventions and reports focused specifically on the transparency of political funding, electoral bonds, and the regulation of political party accounts.

UPSC Value: Essential for understanding the ongoing judicial review of the Electoral Bond Scheme and the broader debate on campaign finance reform in India.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2026-02-10 [Polity & Governance] — Supreme Court Hearing on Electoral Reforms
  The Supreme Court of India heard petitions related to electoral bond scheme transparency and campaign finance reforms.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Electoral bond scheme transparency and campaign finance reforms are being reviewed.

  Key Facts:

  • The Supreme Court of India heard petitions related to electoral bond scheme transparency and campaign finance reforms.
• 2025-09-13 [Polity & Governance] — SC asks Centre & EC to reply on regulating political parties
  The Supreme Court has asked the Centre and Election Commission to reply on regulating political parties.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: SC asks Centre & EC to reply on regulating political parties.

• 2025-06-23 [Polity & Governance] — News Today | Daily Current Affairs | 22nd & 23rd June, 2025
  The news highlights the ADR report on political financing in India, which points out rising costs and falling transparency. The ADR report indicated delays in submitting election expenditure reports after the 2024 general elections, ranging from 1 day to 232 days. The election expenditure must be submitted within 90 days for general elections and 75 days for assembly elections.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: ADR report: Rising costs and falling transparency in political financing.

  Key Facts:

  • Report: ADR report on political financing in India
  • Issue: Rising costs, falling transparency
  • Delay in submitting election expenditure reports: 1 to 232 days after 2024 general election
  • Time limit for submitting election expenditure reports: 90 days (general elections), 75 days (assembly elections)
• 2025-03-22 [Polity & Governance] — Supreme Court Directs EC to Submit Electoral Bond Data
  The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to submit electoral bond data in a searchable format to enhance transparency.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: SC directs EC to submit electoral bond data in searchable format.

  Key Facts:

  • Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to submit electoral bond data in a searchable format

Electoral Framework and Representation Mechanisms

Focus: Legal and constitutional provisions governing the structure of elections, voter rights, and legislative representation.

UPSC Value: Connects statutory rules (RPA Act) with constitutional mandates (Delimitation, Simultaneous Polls) regarding the electoral process.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2025-11-28 [Polity & Governance] — Law Ministry Defends Simultaneous Polls Proposal
  The Union Law Ministry has stated that the proposed framework on simultaneous elections does not violate the Constitution's basic structure, referring to the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, aimed at synchronizing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Law Ministry defends simultaneous polls proposal.

  Key Facts:

  • Union Law Ministry
  • Simultaneous elections
  • Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024
  • Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill
• 2025-11-12 [Polity & Governance] — Bypoll Election Rules and Regulations
  According to Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, a bypoll election must be conducted within six months whenever a seat becomes vacant in either the Parliament or a State Legislative Assembly. However, the Election Commission, in consultation with the Central Government, can extend this timeline if conditions are not conducive for conducting elections, or if the remaining term of the seat is less than one year.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Bypoll must be conducted within six months of seat vacancy.

  Key Facts:

  • Section 151A
  • Representation of the People Act
  • Bypoll election
  • Six months
  • Parliament
  • State Legislative Assembly
  • Election Commission
  • Central Government
  • One year
• 2025-05-06 [Polity & Governance] — Rules for Obtaining Voter ID in India
  Article 326 of the Constitution states that every Indian citizen aged 18 years or above has the right to vote in elections to the Lok Sabha and state/Union Territory Assemblies. Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 disqualifies a person from being registered on an electoral roll if they are not a citizen of India, are of unsound mind, or are disqualified due to corrupt practices. The Election Commission of India (ECI) mandates new voters to apply using Form 6.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Article 326 and Section 16 define voter eligibility.

  Key Facts:

  • Article 326 of the Constitution grants voting rights to Indian citizens aged 18 and above.
  • Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 outlines disqualifications for voter registration.
  • New voters must apply using Form 6.
  • Form for declaration: Form Six
  • Legal action for false declaration: Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act 1950
  • Punishment: Imprisonment up to one year, fine, or both
• 2025-03-23 [Polity & Governance] — Opposition states pass resolution to freeze Lok Sabha seats
  Opposition states passed a resolution to freeze Lok Sabha seats for another 25 years. Southern Indian states are demanding that the number of seats be frozen again, as was done through the 84th Constitution Amendment Act until 2026, due to concerns that their representation will decrease if delimitation occurs based on population.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Opposition states pass resolution to freeze Lok Sabha seats.

  Key Facts:

  • Concern: Potential decrease in representation for Southern states after 2026
  • Existing freeze: 84th Constitution Amendment Act (freezes seats until 2026)

Electoral Governance and Roll Revision

Focus: Supreme Court interventions regarding the Election Commission's structure and the specific revision of electoral rolls.

UPSC Value: Useful for understanding the judiciary's role in ensuring free and fair elections through oversight of the ECI and electoral rolls.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2026-02-09 [Polity & Governance] — Supreme Court Orders Extension in West Bengal SIR Case
  A Supreme Court Bench, including Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi, and N.V. Anjaria, ordered a one-week extension from February 14 for objections in the West Bengal Special Intensive Revision (SIR) case. The court also requested the Delhi High Court to provide an 'out-of-turn' hearing for an appeal by former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Supreme Court extended deadline for objections in West Bengal SIR case.

  Key Facts:

  • Supreme Court ordered an extension of time for objections in the West Bengal SIR case by a week from February 14.
  • The Supreme Court Bench comprised Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N.V. Anjaria.
  • The Supreme Court requested the Delhi High Court to provide an 'out-of-turn' hearing to an appeal filed by former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar.
  • Kuldeep Singh Sengar is challenging his conviction and 10-year sentence in the custodial death of the father of Unnao rape survivor.
• 2026-01-20 [Polity & Governance] — SC to review West Bengal electoral roll revision
  The Supreme Court intervened in West Bengal's electoral roll revision.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: SC to review West Bengal electoral roll revision.

  Key Facts:

  • West Bengal
  • Election Commission of India
• 2025-03-19 [Polity & Governance] — Supreme Court to Hear Challenge on CEC/EC Appointment Law
  The Supreme Court scheduled a hearing for April 16, 2025, to address a challenge to the law that grants the Central government a dominant role in appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. The petitions challenge the legality of a new law which gave the Centre a dominant role in the appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs).
  More details

  UPSC Angle: SC to hear challenge on CEC/EC appointment law.

  Key Facts:

  • Hearing scheduled for April 16, 2025
  • Bench headed by Justice Surya Kant
  • Petitioner-NGO: Association for Democratic Reform (ADR)
  • The statute replaced the CJI on the selection panel with a Union Minister

Electoral Roll Administration and Voter Data Integrity

Focus: Administrative processes and integrity issues surrounding the maintenance of electoral rolls and voter statistics across different Indian states, including draft releases and investigations into roll manipulation.

UPSC Value: Crucial for understanding the role of the Election Commission and local bodies in maintaining the sanctity of the 'one person, one vote' principle through accurate voter lists and verification processes.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-16 [Polity & Governance] — Maharashtra civic body elections: Mumbai is biggest prize
  Elections are being held for 29 civic bodies in Maharashtra, with Mumbai being the most significant. Mumbai has 1,700 candidates contesting elections in 227 wards.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • 29 civic bodies in Maharashtra head to polls
  • Mumbai emerges as the biggest prize
  • 3.48 crore total voters
  • 1.81 crore men
  • 1.66 crore women
  • 4,596 belong to the 'other' category
  • 39,092 polling stations, 3,196 marked as sensitive
  • 1,700 candidates contesting elections in 227 wards in Mumbai alone
  • Congress party is fighting the Mumbai elections in alliance with Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi
  • Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are being supported by the NCP (SP) in Mumbai
• 2025-12-19 [Polity & Governance] — Tamil Nadu Electoral Roll
  The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) released the draft electoral roll for 16 Legislative Constituencies in the district on Friday (December 19, 2025), listing a total of 2,579,676 voters. Over 90 lakh voters in Tamil Nadu deleted from the draft roll after SIR, says CEO Archana Patnaik Sharif.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • The draft electoral roll lists a total of 2,579,676 voters.
  • This includes 1,247,690 male voters, 1,331,243 female voters, and 743 transgender voters.
• 2025-09-07 [Polity & Governance] — Probe into Aland Voter Fraud Hits Roadblock
  An investigation into a systematic attempt to delete 5,994 votes in the Aland Assembly constituency in Kalaburagi district of Karnataka has stalled because the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not shared technical data needed to nab the accused. The case relates to an attempt to remove electors by forging Form 7 ahead of the 2023 Assembly election.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Probe into voter fraud stalled due to ECI non-cooperation.

  Key Facts:

  • Investigation into deletion of 5,994 votes in Aland Assembly constituency, Kalaburagi district, Karnataka hits a dead end
  • Reason: ECI yet to share crucial data
  • Attempt to remove electors by forging Form 7 ahead of the Assembly election in 2023

Election Commission's 2025 Regulatory Push for Party Accountability

Focus: A series of administrative directives and enforcement actions issued by the ECI in 2025 aimed at tightening transparency, digital compliance, and structural updates among political parties.

UPSC Value: Highlights the ECI's evolving regulatory role under Article 324 and the Representation of the People Act to ensure the integrity and accountability of political entities.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-12-08 [Polity & Governance] — Election Commission Asks Parties to Update Constitutions
  The Election Commission has directed political parties to submit updated versions of their constitutions within 30 days. This directive ensures that the EC has current information on party structures and internal regulations.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Election Commission asks parties to update constitutions.

  Key Facts:

  • Election Commission: Asked parties to submit updated constitutions
  • Timeframe: 30 days
• 2025-06-30 [Polity & Governance] — Election Commission Moves to Delist Inactive Political Parties
  The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated action to de-list 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) that have not contested any election since 2019 and could not be located. This move addresses concerns about inactive parties misusing legal and financial privileges. Donor Transparency and Reporting: RUPPs must report donations above ₹20,000 annually and donations over ₹2,000 must be through cheques or bank transfers.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: ECI to de-list 345 RUPPs not contesting elections since 2019.

  Key Facts:

  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) is delisting 345 Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs).
  • The parties haven't contested elections since 2019.
  • The offices of these parties could not be physically traced.
  • The ECI directed State Chief Electoral Officers to issue show-cause notices before de-listing.
  • The right to form political parties comes under Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution.
  • Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act (RP Act), 1951 governs their registration.
  • Election Commission moves to delist inactive political parties.
  • 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) that have not contested any election since 2019 and could not be located will be delisted.
  • RUPPs must report donations above ₹20,000 annually.
  • Donations over ₹2,000 must be through cheques or bank transfers.
• 2025-04-21 [Polity & Governance] — Digital guidelines for online political campaigning introduced
  The Election Commission introduced new digital guidelines on April 21, 2025, to regulate online political campaigning. These guidelines aim to ensure fair play and transparency during the upcoming state elections.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: ECI introduces digital guidelines for online political campaigning.

  Key Facts:

  • Election Commission
  • Digital guidelines
  • Online political campaigning
  • April 21, 2025
  • State elections

Election Commission Administrative Procedures

Focus: Official administrative and procedural actions taken by the Election Commission of India, including statutory notifications for elections and public media briefings.

UPSC Value: Useful for understanding the Election Commission's role in managing election timelines and maintaining procedural transparency.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-11-28 [Polity & Governance] — Punjab Gazette, 2025-11-28, Ordinary
  Government of Punjab published Punjab Gazette On November 28, 2025.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • Department: Election Commission
  • Notification Number: No.76/PB-LS/07/2024/CEMS-1
  • Title: General Election to Lok Sabha of Punjab, 2024, for 07- Ludhiana
• 2025-08-16 [Polity & Governance] — Election Commission Press Conference
  The Election Commission of India will hold a press conference at the National Media Centre in New Delhi on August 17, 2025, at 3 PM.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Election Commission press conference - details unknown.

  Key Facts:

  • Election Commission of India
  • August 17, 2025
  • 3 PM
  • National Media Centre
  • New Delhi
• 2025-08-08 [Polity & Governance] — Election Commission Notifications
  The Election Commission of India has issued notifications regarding the election to the Office of Vice President of India, fixing Room No. F-101, Vasudha, First Floor, Parliament House, New Delhi as the place of polling. The poll, if necessary, will take place on 09th September, 2025 between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • Vice-Presidential Election polling place: Room No. F-101, Vasudha, First Floor, Parliament House, New Delhi.
  • Date for scrutiny of nominations: August 08, 2025.
  • Last date for withdrawal of candidatures: August 25, 2025.
  • Date of poll (if necessary): September 09, 2025.

Logistical Preparations for Bihar Assembly Elections

Focus: Specific administrative measures (ballot design, phasing, crowd control) implemented by the ECI specifically for the upcoming Bihar polls.

UPSC Value: Illustrates the administrative granularity of election management and the interplay between political demands and ECI logistics.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-10-05 [Polity & Governance] — ECI introduces new initiatives for Bihar polls
  The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced 17 new initiatives for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls, including reduced crowds and shorter queues at polling booths, with a maximum of 1,200 voters per polling station.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: ECI introduces new initiatives for Bihar polls, including reduced crowds.

  Key Facts:

  • 17
  • Bihar Assembly polls
  • Gyanesh Kumar
  • 1,200 voters
• 2025-10-04 [Polity & Governance] — Political Parties Seek Minimal Phases for Bihar Assembly Election
  Ruling and opposition parties in Bihar have requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct the upcoming Assembly election in a maximum of one or two phases. The request was made during a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Vivek Joshi and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Political parties request minimal phases for Bihar Assembly election to ECI.

  Key Facts:

  • Bihar Assembly election
  • Election Commission of India (ECI)
  • Gyanesh Kumar
  • Vivek Joshi
  • Sukhbir Singh Sandhu
• 2025-09-18 [Polity & Governance] — Election Commission Updates EVM Ballot Paper Design
  The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revised EVM ballot paper norms under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, mandating color candidate photographs on ballot papers for enhanced voter visibility and identification. From the Bihar Assembly elections onward, ballot papers will feature color photographs of candidates, larger serial numbers, and an improved design for clarity.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: ECI revised EVM ballot paper norms to include candidate photographs.

  Key Facts:

  • Election Commission of India (ECI)
  • EVM ballot paper norms
  • Rule 49B of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961
  • color candidate photographs
  • Bihar Assembly elections
  • Color photographs of candidates
  • Larger serial numbers
  • Improved design for clarity
  • Candidate’s face will occupy 3/4 of the photo space

Regulatory and Administrative Oversight of the Electoral Process

Focus: Administrative decisions and regulatory enforcement actions taken by the ECI to manage voter privacy, official authority, and political party compliance.

UPSC Value: Highlights the ECI's exercise of its constitutional and statutory powers to regulate political entities and streamline internal administrative procedures.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-08-09 [Polity & Governance] — Election Commission of India Delists Political Parties
  The Election Commission of India (ECI) delisted 334 registered unrecognised political parties which have failed to fulfil the essential condition of contesting even a single election for six years since 2019. The offices of these parties could also not be physically located anywhere.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: ECI delists 334 registered unrecognised political parties.

  Key Facts:

  • Election Commission of India (ECI) delisted 334 registered unrecognised political parties.
  • Parties failed to contest a single election for six years since 2019.
• 2025-07-10 [Polity & Governance] — Election Commission empowers EROs on voter inclusion
  The Election Commission has granted Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) the authority to decide on voter inclusion, even without complete documentation. This move aims to ensure broader participation in the electoral process.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: EC empowers EROs for voter inclusion without complete documentation.

  Key Facts:

  • Election Commission
  • Electoral Registration Officers
  • voter inclusion
• 2025-07-01 [Polity & Governance] — ECI Restricts Public Access to Polling Booth CCTV Footage
  The Election Commission of India (ECI) has restricted public access to CCTV, webcast, and videography footage of polling stations, citing voter privacy and security. Footage destruction is mandated 45 days after result declaration, unless a petition is filed.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: ECI restricts public access to polling booth CCTV footage for privacy.

  Key Facts:

  • Footage destruction mandated 45 days after result declaration (unless petition filed)