Consider the following statements.

1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.

2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and by-elections.

3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 3 only.

Let us analyze each statement step-by-step to determine its correctness:

Statement 1: "The Election Commission of India is a five-member body."
This statement is incorrect. The Election Commission of India (ECI) currently consists of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners. Therefore, it is a three-member body, not a five-member body.

Statement 2: "Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and by-elections."
This statement is incorrect. The Election Commission of India has the sole authority and constitutional responsibility to decide, prepare, and notify the schedule for both general elections and by-elections, ensuring free and fair elections. The Ministry of Home Affairs does not decide the election schedule.

Statement 3: "Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties."
This statement is correct. Under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, the Election Commission acts as a quasi-judicial body to resolve disputes regarding splits, mergers, or recognition of political parties and allotment of symbols.

Thus, only statement 3 is correct.