In the Indian constitutional framework, which body has the authority to decide election petitions related to elections to Parliament and state legislatures?

Introduction / Context:
Free and fair elections are a core feature of a democratic system. In India, disputes about the validity of an election result are handled through election petitions. This question checks whether you know which authority hears and decides these petitions for elections to Parliament and state legislatures. Knowing this is essential for understanding the separation of powers between the Election Commission and the judiciary under the Representation of the People Act and the Constitution.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The question refers to election petitions that challenge election results.

It concerns elections to Parliament and state legislative assemblies.

The options list various constitutional bodies and institutions.

Concept / Approach:
While the Election Commission of India conducts and supervises elections, disputes about election results are adjudicated by the judiciary. The Representation of the People Act provides that election petitions for parliamentary and assembly elections shall be presented to and decided by the High Court of the state concerned. The Supreme Court is the final appellate authority but does not ordinarily serve as the court of first instance for these petitions. Parliament as a law making body and the Election Commission as a supervisory body do not decide these disputes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the question is about resolving disputes after an election, not about conducting the election. Step 2: Recall that the Election Commission organises elections but does not decide legal disputes about results. Step 3: Under the Representation of the People Act, election petitions are to be filed in the High Court of the state concerned. Step 4: The High Court examines evidence, hears arguments and gives a judgement that can uphold or set aside the election. Step 5: Therefore, the body that decides election petitions at the first instance is the High Court.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by remembering that earlier, in some systems, legislatures themselves would decide disputes about membership. However, to ensure fairness and independence, this function in India is given to the judiciary. Also, exam oriented polity books clearly mention that election petitions for Lok Sabha and assembly elections are filed in the respective High Courts, with appeals lying to the Supreme Court. This confirms that High Courts have the power to decide these petitions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Parliament: Parliament enacts laws and can decide some questions about membership under anti defection rules, but election petitions challenging the validity of elections are decided by courts, not Parliament.
Supreme Court: The Supreme Court may hear appeals in election matters and directly handles election petitions for the offices of President and Vice President, but for parliamentary and assembly elections the first forum is the High Court.
Election Commission: The Election Commission of India conducts elections, prepares electoral rolls and issues model code guidelines but does not act as a court to decide election petitions.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students wrongly select the Election Commission because they associate it strongly with elections in general. It is important to separate the functions of administering elections from the function of adjudicating disputes. Another common confusion is between different types of elections. For contests to Parliament and state legislatures, election petitions go to High Courts, while for President and Vice President they go directly to the Supreme Court. Keeping this distinction clear will help avoid errors in similar questions.

Final Answer:
Election petitions for elections to Parliament and state legislatures are decided by the High Courts.