PolityConstitutional Bodies
News 12 of 19

ECI Allocates Symbols Under Symbols Order 1968: TMC Split Triggers Para 15 Dispute Resolution

PolityHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
26 Sept 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:Symbols Order, 1968Para 15Article 324(2)Anoop Baranwal vs Union of IndiaCEC and ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023October 6 bypolls
Bodies:Election Commission of IndiaSupreme Court of India
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.ECI froze TMC's name and symbol after split, allotted alternative names and symbols to rival factions under Para 15 of Symbols Order, 1968.

2.Symbols are either reserved (for recognised parties) or free (for unrecognised parties). Parties can propose up to 3 new symbols, subject to EC approval.

3.The article also covers appointment of CEC/ECs: from Article 324(2) to Anoop Baranwal judgment to the 2023 Act, currently under legal challenge with a 1:1 split verdict in SC.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The Election Commission's power to allocate symbols and resolve intra-party disputes is a core UPSC topic. This article covers the Symbols Order 1968, how symbols are reserved/free, and the recent TMC split case. It also connects to the appointment of ECs (Article 324, 2023 Act, SC split verdict), making it high-yield for both Prelims and Mains.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Governing OrderElection Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968
Dispute Resolution ClausePara 15 of Symbols Order, 1968
Constitutional Basis for ECArticle 324(2)
Landmark Case on EC AppointmentAnoop Baranwal vs Union of India
Current Appointment ActCEC and ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023
Selection Committee CompositionPM, Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha), Union Cabinet Minister

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Governing Order: Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968
  • ›Dispute Resolution Clause: Para 15 of Symbols Order, 1968
  • ›Target this Data: Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Election Commission of India (ECI)
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Article 324(2) and Para 15 of Symbols Order

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which body is responsible for the allotment of election symbols to political parties in India?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968:

1. It was enacted in the year 1968.

2. A political party can propose up to three new symbols of its choice for allotment.

3. The Order applies only to recognised national and state parties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

Under the Symbols Order, 1968, how many new symbols can a political party propose for allotment?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary purpose of Para 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968?

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