INTRODUCTION

The free, fair and purity of election to the Panchayati Raj Institutions and municipality has great significance as these local bodies are truly units of local self government created by 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution of India. The Election Commission for UTs is entrusted to conduct these elections in the Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Lakshadweep.  In terms of the Articles 243K and 243ZA, The Election Commission for UTs is vested with same powers as are vested with the Election Commission of India under Article 324 of the Constitution of India (Kishan Sing Tomar V. Municipal Corporation, Ahmadabad (2006) 8 SCC 352). The legal framework for preparation of Electoral rolls and detailed procedure for conduct of elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipality in the UTs  are defined in the relevant Election Procedure Rules & Regulations made thereunder by the concerned UT Administration. The Election Commission for UTs is insulated from political or executive interference and is to function independently of UT Administration in respect of its powers of superintendence, direction and control of all election processes and preparation of electoral rolls for conduct of election to Panchayati Raj Institutions and municipality. The Returning Officer conduct of these elections under the supervision of the Director of Panchayat and Municipal Elections under the guidance, superintendence, direction and control of the Election Commission for UTs.