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The Representation of the People Act was enacted by the provisional Parliament under Article 327 of Indian Constitution, before the first general election in 1951-52. Art 327 states that subject to the provisions of our Constitution, the Parliament is empowered to make provisions by law, with respect to all matters relating to, or in connection with, elections to either House of Parliament or to the House or Houses of the State Legislature, including preparation of electoral rolls, the delimitation of constituencies and all other necessary matters.
Representation of People Act has undergone several amendments since it was enacted. The RPA 1950 has 8 parts and 43 sections, while the RPA, 1951 has 13 parts from Part I to Part XI with additional parts of IV-A and V-A and 192 sections.