UPSC Prelims 2002 Q67: Indian Polity – Elections & Electoral Reforms
Consider the following statements with reference to India:
1. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners enjoy equal powers but
receive unequal salaries.
2. The Chief Election Commissioner is entitled to the same salary as is provided to a judge of the
Supreme Court.
3. The Chief Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his office except in like manner
and on like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
4. The term of office of an Election Commissioner is five years from the date he assumes office or
till he attains the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier.
Which of these statements are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 4
- (d) 2 and 4
Answer: (b) 2 and 3
Explanation
Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. CEC and other ECs have equal powers but unequal salaries | False — they have equal powers and equal salaries |
| 2. CEC gets the salary of a Supreme Court judge | True |
| 3. CEC cannot be removed except like a Supreme Court judge | True — Article 324(5) |
| 4. Term of an EC is five years or age 62 | False — six years or age 65, whichever is earlier |
The CEC has the salary of a Supreme Court judge and can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge, as per Article 324(5). The term is six years or age 65, and the other Commissioners now have equal salary and status. So statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Answer: (b) 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false because the salaries are equal.
- (b) CORRECT. Statements 2 and 3 are true.
- (c) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 4 are both false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 4 is false as the term is six years or age 65.
Key point
CEC: tenure 6 years or age 65; removal like an SC judge (special majority); ECs removed on CEC's recommendation.
Remember
CEC: salary and removal like an SC judge; 6 years/65 age.
Common mistakes
- Remembering the term as five years (like the Lok Sabha).
- Believing the CEC outranks other Commissioners in pay.
- Forgetting that the CEC enjoys removal protection like a judge.
Exam tip
Check the numbers: the term is six years and age 65.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 324
- Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 1991