In which article of the constitution the Adult Suffrage is recogised?
Article 326
Adult Suffrage in the Indian Constitution
The concept of Adult Suffrage is a cornerstone of democratic systems, granting all adult citizens the right to vote, regardless of their background such as caste, religion, gender, or economic status. In the context of the Indian Constitution, this vital right is clearly defined in a specific article.
Article 326 and Adult Suffrage
The Indian Constitution formally recognizes Adult Suffrage under Article 326. This article specifically outlines that elections to the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and to the Legislative Assembly of every State are to be conducted based on adult suffrage.
- According to Article 326, every Indian citizen who is at least eighteen years of age on a specified date (as determined by law) is eligible to be registered as a voter. This right is granted unless the person is disqualified under the Constitution or any law due to reasons like non-residence, unsoundness of mind, criminal offenses, or engagement in corrupt or illegal election practices.
- It's important to note that originally, the voting age in India was 21 years. However, through the 61st Amendment Act of 1988, this age was reduced to 18 years, a change that came into effect on March 28, 1989. This amendment expanded the scope of adult suffrage in India significantly.
Analysis of Related Constitutional Articles
To fully understand the electoral provisions, let's examine the other articles mentioned in the options and their respective roles concerning elections and the electoral system in India:
| Article | Subject Matter |
|---|---|
| Article 324 | This article establishes the Election Commission of India and vests in it the power of superintendence, direction, and control over the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President. It ensures the autonomy of the election process. |
| Article 325 | This provision ensures that no person shall be ineligible for inclusion in, or claim to be included in any general or special electoral roll for any constituency on grounds only of religion, race, caste, or sex. It reinforces the principle of non-discrimination in voter registration, complementing Adult Suffrage. |
| Article 326 | This article is central to the question as it directly addresses and defines Adult Suffrage. It lays down the foundation for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, specifying the minimum voting age and conditions for voter registration. |
| Article 327 | This article empowers the Parliament to make laws concerning all matters relating to elections to either House of Parliament or to the House or Houses of the Legislature of a State. This includes the preparation of electoral rolls, the delimitation of constituencies, and all other matters necessary for securing the due constitution of such House or Houses. |
Based on this detailed analysis of the Indian Constitution, it is clear that Article 326 is the specific provision that recognizes and defines the principle of Adult Suffrage for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Important Questions from Basics of Constitution
Who among the following introduced the ‘Objective Resolution’ in the Constituent Assembly on 13 th December, 1946?
- Which one of the following is correct in respect of total number of States and Union Territories in India?
- Who among the following American Presidents described democracy as "Government of the People, for the People and by the People"?
- The real beginning of western education in India can be dated from
Which one of the following is included in Article 51A (Part-IV A) of the Constitution of India?
