Chief Election Commissioner powers, salary & tenure – UPSC Prelims PYQ 2002

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 the Election Commissioner is five years from the date he assumes his office or till the day he attains the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier

Which of these statements are correct?

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 and 3
3. 1 and 4
4. 2 and 4

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• Statement 1 is incorrect because the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners enjoy equal powers and also receive equal salaries and allowances. Statement 2 is correct as the Chief Election Commissioner receives the same salary and status as a judge of the Supreme Court of India. Statement 3 is also correct because the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge. Statement 4 is incorrect because the tenure is six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Answer: (b) 2 and 3