MCQs Based On Political Science- (95)

Correct Option: 2. Article 324.
Explanation: Article 324 of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of the Election Commission and vests it with the power of superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.

Correct Option: 3. President of India.
Explanation: The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India as per Article 324.

Correct Option: 4. Panchayat Elections.
Explanation: Panchayat and Municipality elections are conducted by the State Election Commissions, not the Election Commission of India.
Panchayat and Municipality Elections
These local body elections are not conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Instead, they are overseen by: State Election Commissions (SECs)
🔍 Constitutional Basis:
-The 73rd Amendment (for Panchayats) and the 74th Amendment (for Municipalities) to the Constitution of India introduced Articles 243K and 243ZA, respectively.
-These articles provide for the establishment of State Election Commissions in each state.
📌 Key Points about State Election Commissions:
-Appointed by the Governor of the state.
Responsible for:
-Preparing electoral rolls for local elections.
-Conducting and supervising elections to Panchayats and Municipalities.
-Operate independently of the Election Commission of India.
❗ Important Distinction:
-Lok Sabha / Rajya Sabha: Election Commission of India Article 324
-State Assemblies / Councils: Election Commission of India Article 324
-President / Vice President: Election Commission of India Article 324
-Panchayats: State Election Commission Article 243K
-Municipalities: State Election Commission Article 243ZA

Correct Option: 3. 6 years or until 65 years of age.
Explanation: CEC and ECs hold office for six years or until the age of 65, whichever comes earlier.

Correct Option: 4. Same as a Supreme Court judge.
Explanation: The CEC can only be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court—through a special majority in Parliament on grounds of proven misbehavior or incapacity.
Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) enjoys a high degree of independence, and cannot be removed arbitrarily. His removal process is specially safeguarded and mirrors that of a judge of the Supreme Court.
🔍 Key Provisions:
Grounds for Removal:
-Proved misbehavior
-Incapacity
Procedure:
Special Majority Required:
-A resolution must be passed by both Houses of Parliament.
-Must be supported by a special majority (i.e., a majority of the total membership of the House and a two-thirds majority of members present and voting).
Removal by the President:
-Once the resolution is passed, the President of India can remove the CEC.
⚖️ Why This Safeguard?
-To ensure independence from the executive.
-Prevents political interference in election processes.
-Places the CEC on par with Supreme Court judges in terms of job security.
❗Note:
Other Election Commissioners or Regional Commissioners cannot be removed by the President on his own. They can be removed only on the recommendation of the CEC, offering an additional layer of protection.