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 bye-elections. 3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Statement 3 is correct because the Election Commission of India (ECI) exercises quasi-judicial power to resolve disputes regarding splits or mergers of recognized political parties under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. Statement 1 is a common distractor as the ECI is a three-member body (one CEC and two ECs), and Statement 2 is incorrect because the ECI, not the Ministry of Home Affairs, holds the constitutional mandate to decide election schedules. The core concept tested is the composition, functions, and independent authority of the Election Commission under Article 324.