The Constitution of India, in its articles 324–328, enumerates the powers and functions of the Election Commission.

These can be described as follows:

(i) Preparation of Electoral Rolls: The Election Commission prepares electoral rolls for elections to Parliament for all State Assemblies including local bodies.

(ii) Superintendence and Direction: Superintendence, direction and control of all matters relating to elections to the President, Vice President, Parliament, and State Legislatures.

(iii) Advice: To advise the President and Governors on questions of disqualification made by members of the Union or State Legislatures.

(iv) Appointment of Returning Officers: Appointment of Returning Officers to inquire into disputes arising out of or connected with the conduct of elections.

(v) Settlement of disputes: Settlement of disputes regarding allotment of symbols to parties at the time of elections.

(vi) To lay down the code of conduct: To lay down the code of conduct to be followed by the parties and candidates at the time of elections. 

(vii) Recognition of Political Parties: Recognition of political parties as All India or State parties is another function of the Election Commission.

(viii) Decides disputes: Another function of the Election Commission to decide disputes regarding election symbol in case of division.

(ix) Notification of dates and schedules: The Election Commission notified the dates and schedules of elections and scrutiny of nomination papers.

(x) Procuring Staff: Another function of the Election Commission is to procure staff required for the conduct of elections from the President and the Governors of the States.

Thus, they are important powers and functions of the Election Commission.