Article 71 of the Indian Constitution deals with the matters related to disputes in the election of the President and the Vice-President of India.
📜 Text of Article 71 (Simplified)
🔹 Clause (1): Election Disputes
Any dispute regarding the election of the President or Vice-President shall be decided only by the Supreme Court of India.
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No other court has the authority to entertain such disputes.
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The Supreme Court’s decision is final.
🔹 Clause (2): Validity of Election Not Affected
A Presidential or Vice-Presidential election cannot be challenged on the ground that:
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There is any vacancy in the electoral college (e.g., if some MPs or MLAs have died or resigned)
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This ensures that minor irregularities or vacancies do not invalidate the election.
🔹 Clause (3): Supreme Court’s Role
If the Supreme Court declares an election to be invalid, the candidate shall cease to hold office, whether they have already taken oath or not.
🔹 Clause (4): Parliamentary Power
Parliament may make laws to regulate:
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Conditions for filing election petitions
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Time limits
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Procedure for inquiry into such disputes
✅ Key Points of Article 71
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Who decides election disputes | Supreme Court of India |
| Validity not affected by | Vacancy in Electoral College |
| If court declares election invalid | Elected person must step down immediately |
| Law-making power | Parliament can frame rules and procedures related to these disputes |
📌 Summary of Article 71
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Related to | Presidential & Vice-Presidential elections |
| Dispute authority | Only the Supreme Court can decide |
| Election unaffected by | Vacancies in MPs/MLAs during voting |
| Parliament’s role | Can make laws for filing & handling disputes |
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