🗳️ Article 327 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Power of Parliament to make provision with respect to elections to Legislatures
📘 Purpose:
Article 327 empowers the Parliament of India to make laws regarding the conduct of elections to the:
-
House of the People (Lok Sabha)
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State Legislative Assemblies (Vidhan Sabhas)
It gives a legal framework to conduct elections, prepare electoral rolls, and settle disputes.
🔍 Key Provisions of Article 327:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Empowered Body | Parliament of India |
| Purpose of the Law | - Conduct of elections |
-
Preparation of electoral rolls
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Delimitation of constituencies
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All other matters related to elections |
| Overrides Existing Laws | Parliament can amend or repeal pre-Constitution election laws |
| Subject to Constitution | Any law made must not violate other provisions of the Constitution, especially Articles 325 & 326 |
📊 Summary Chart: Article 327
| Topic | Provision under Article 327 |
|---|---|
| Who can make election laws? | Parliament of India |
| Elections covered | Lok Sabha & State Legislative Assemblies |
| Can Parliament amend past laws? | ✅ Yes, even those existing before Constitution |
| Scope of law | Conduct, rolls, delimitation, eligibility, procedures |
| Limitations | Must conform to other Constitutional principles |
✅ Examples of Laws Made Under Article 327:
| Law | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Representation of the People Act, 1950 | Deals with electoral rolls and delimitation |
| Representation of the People Act, 1951 | Deals with conduct of elections, disqualification, and election disputes |
🧠 Why Article 327 Matters:
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Provides legislative authority for the election process
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Empowers Parliament to ensure transparency and fairness in elections
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Enables laws to regulate candidates, political parties, and voting methods
Here is a 📊 Comparative Chart of Articles 326 and 327 of the Indian Constitution — covering voting rights and the power to make election laws:
📘 Comparison Chart: Article 326 vs. Article 327
| Aspect | Article 326 | Article 327 |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Elections to be based on adult suffrage | Power of Parliament to make laws regarding elections |
| Main Focus | Grants voting rights to all adult citizens (18+) | Empowers Parliament to legislate on election matters |
| Who It Applies To | All Indian citizens aged 18 and above | Parliament of India |
| Covers Elections To | - Lok Sabha (House of the People) |
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State Legislative Assemblies | - Lok Sabha
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State Legislative Assemblies |
| Eligibility to Vote | Based on citizenship and age
(plus not disqualified by law) | Not related to voter eligibility — relates to making rules/laws |
| Key Outcome | Ensures universal adult franchise | Enables legal framework for free and fair elections |
| Examples / Related Laws | Voting rights of 18+ year-old citizens | - Representation of the People Act, 1950 -
Representation of the People Act, 1951 |
| Limitations | Subject to disqualifications under law | Must conform to other Constitutional provisions |
✅ In Summary:
-
Article 326 gives you the right to vote.
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Article 327 allows Parliament to manage how elections are conducted.
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