Explanation:

Here’s how this shakes out:

- Option 1: High Court

The High Court actually has the authority to decide election petitions. If someone challenges the result of an election—say, to the Parliament or state legislature—they file a petition in the High Court. That’s the law under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

- Option 2: Election Commission

The Election Commission runs and supervises elections. But, it doesn’t decide contested petitions about who really won or lost an election—those go straight to the courts.

- Option 3: Parliament

Parliament makes the laws about elections, but it doesn’t settle disputes about election results.

- Option 4: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court can hear appeals from High Court decisions in election petitions. But, it’s not the first place where these cases are decided.

So, the correct answer is:

Option 1: High Court