The Election Commission of India is an autonomous, extra constitutional body created to conduct free and fair elections. It was established on January 25,1950. The Commission comprises of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. At present, the Chief Election Commissioner is N. Gopalaswami and the other two Election Commissioners are Navin Chawla and S.Y. Quereshi.

Being an extra constitutional body the Election Commission is independent and is protected from any kind of executive interference. The Commission also functions as a quasi-judiciary body in case of electoral disputes and other matters involving the conduct of elections. It is responsible for planning and executing a whole range of complex operations that are required for conducting elections.

During the elections, the entire Central and State Government machinery, including para military forces and the police force under the stewardship of the Election Commission is stationed for the successful completion of the electoral process.

The National Elections held after every five years, has earned the distinction of being one of the largest human activities and the Election Commission has earned the distinction of being one of the largest management organizations. The Election Commission is also called upon by the Courts to see and execute elections to various governing bodies of other independent organizations such as the Syndicate of Universities, statutory professional bodies etc.

The Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners are appointed by the President. The term of their office is six years or up to the age of sixty-five whichever is earlier. They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as received by the judges of Supreme Court of India. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through impeachment by Parliament.