Election Commission India structure and functions

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Election Commission of India is a multi-member body consisting of a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners (total of three members), not five. This was clarified through the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Chief Election Commissioner) Act, 1991. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Election Commission of India, not the Ministry of Home Affairs, has the constitutional authority to decide and announce the election schedule (dates and timelines) for both general elections and bye-elections. The Ministry of Home Affairs implements and coordinates, but the EC makes the decision. Statement 3 is correct: The Election Commission has the authority to resolve disputes related to recognizing political parties, and this includes matters relating to splits and mergers of recognized political parties, determining which faction represents the original party. Only statement 3 is correct. > EC Structure & Powers: Three-member EC (not five) decides election dates; EC resolves party split/merger disputes. Answer: (d).