The ECI must act independently as the arbiter of election code breaches

Subject : Polity

Section: Elections

Election Commission

Permanent and an independent body established by the Constitution to supervise elections.
Article 324 provides that the power of superintendence, direction and control of elections to parliament, state legislatures, the office of President of India and the office of Vice-President of India
In Mohinder Singh Gill vs Chief Election Commissioner, Supreme Court held that Article 324 contains plenary powers to ensure free and fair elections, and ECI can take all necessary steps to achieve this constitutional objective.

Provisions ensuring Independence of Commission

Security of tenure: The chief election commissioner is provided with the security of tenure. He cannot be removed from his office except in same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
Service conditions: The service conditions of the chief election commissioner cannot be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.
Removal of other election commissioners: Any other election commissioner or a regional commissioner cannot be removed from office except on the recommendation of the chief election commissioner
Powers of EC
Determination of territorial areas: To determine territorial areas of electoral constituencies throughout the country on the basis of the Delimitation Commission
To prepare and revise electoral rolls
Recognition: To grant recognition to political parties and allot symbols
Advise to President: To advise the president on matters relating to disqualifications of the members of Parliament
President’s rule: To advise President whether elections can be held in a state under president’s rule in order to extend the period of emergency after one year