Article 71: Election Disputes of President & Vice-President

The Indian Constitution outlines specific procedures and jurisdictions for the election of its highest offices, the President and the Vice-President. When questions or disagreements arise concerning these elections, the Constitution clearly defines where such matters should be addressed.

Understanding Election Dispute Resolution

The question asks specifically about which Article empowers the Supreme Court to inquire into and make a final decision on any doubts or disputes related to the election of the President or Vice-President. Let's examine the relevant articles:

• Article 68 deals with the time when an election must be held to fill a vacancy in the office of President or Vice-President.
• Article 69 concerns the form of Oath or Affirmation to be made by the Vice-President.
• Article 70 provides for the discharge of the President's functions in other unexpected contingencies.
• Article 71 directly addresses the issue of disputes arising from the election of the President or Vice-President.

Article 71 Explained

Article 71 of the Indian Constitution states:

1. All doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with the election of a President or Vice-President shall be inquired into and decided by the Supreme Court, whose decision shall be final.
2. If the election of the President or Vice-President is declared void under Article 71(1), acts done by that person in the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of the office of President or Vice-President on or before the date of the Supreme Court's decision are not invalidated.

Therefore, Article 71 specifically designates the Supreme Court as the authority to handle and definitively resolve any election-related disputes for both the President and Vice-President.

Conclusion

Based on the constitutional text, Article 71 is the provision that grants the Supreme Court the ultimate authority over election disputes concerning the President and Vice-President of India.