Introduction:
The Election Commission (EC) of India is an independent constitutional body that is responsible for the conduct of elections in India. It plays a crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections, and its power and independence are equivalent to that of the Judiciary.

Independence:
The Election Commission of India is an independent body that is not subject to the control or influence of the executive or the legislature. This independence is crucial to its functioning as it ensures that the EC can carry out its duties impartially and without any external interference. The independence of the EC is enshrined in the Constitution of India and is protected by various provisions.

Powers:
The Election Commission of India has been vested with extensive powers to ensure the smooth conduct of elections. Some of its key powers include:

1. Conduct of Elections: The EC has the power to conduct elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and offices of the President and Vice-President of India. It is responsible for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls, the scheduling of elections, and the allocation of symbols to political parties.

2. Model Code of Conduct: The EC has the power to enforce the Model Code of Conduct, which is a set of guidelines that regulate the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections. It ensures that elections are conducted in a free and fair manner and prevents the misuse of official resources for election campaigns.

3. Electoral Disputes: The EC has the power to settle disputes related to elections. It can disqualify candidates who have violated electoral laws or engaged in corrupt practices. It also has the authority to order re-polling in case of irregularities or malpractices.

4. Recognition of Political Parties: The EC has the power to grant recognition to political parties. It lays down certain criteria for recognition, such as the party's performance in elections and its adherence to democratic principles.

Comparison:
The power and independence of the Election Commission of India can be compared to the Judiciary in several aspects:

1. Independence: Both the EC and the Judiciary are independent bodies that are free from the control of the executive and the legislature. This independence ensures that they can perform their functions without any external influence.

2. Constitutional Status: Both the EC and the Judiciary have been established under the Constitution of India and derive their powers and authority from it.

3. Adjudication: While the Judiciary adjudicates legal disputes, the EC adjudicates electoral disputes. Both bodies have the power to interpret and apply the law in their respective domains.

4. Checks and Balances: Both the EC and the Judiciary act as checks on the executive and the legislature. They ensure that the actions of the government are in accordance with the law and do not violate the rights of citizens.

In conclusion, the power and independence of the Election Commission of India are equivalent to that of the Judiciary. The EC plays a crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections and has extensive powers to carry out its duties effectively. Its independence and constitutional status make it a key pillar of India's democratic system.