ECI has discretion to announce bypolls any time within six months of seat falling vacant, experts say

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has the discretion to announce bypolls within six months of a seat becoming vacant. At least 14 Assembly and six Parliamentary seats remain vacant as the ECI has only scheduled bypolls for three. Congress criticizes the ECI for rushing the Datia bypoll amid an ongoing case regarding an MLA's disqualification, while in Milkipur, the Opposition accuses the ECI of delaying tactics to benefit the BJP.