UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — When the Chief Justice steps away

Q1. Under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 — the law at the centre of the CJI's 2026 recusal — which body prepares the panel of names for the consideration of the Selection Committee?

  • A. A Search Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary
  • B. A Search Committee headed by the Chief Election Commissioner
  • C. A Collegium headed by the Chief Justice of India
  • D. A Screening Committee headed by the Law Secretary

Q2. Under the 2023 Act governing appointment of the CEC and Election Commissioners, who is the Chairperson of the Selection Committee?

  • A. The Prime Minister
  • B. The Chief Justice of India
  • C. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha
  • D. The Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister

Q3. Consider the following as members of the Selection Committee for appointing the CEC and Election Commissioners under the 2023 Act: 1. The Prime Minister 2. The Chief Justice of India 3. A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister 4. The Leader of Opposition (or leader of the largest opposition party) in the Lok Sabha Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. The Prime Minister
  2. The Chief Justice of India
  3. A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister
  4. The Leader of Opposition (or leader of the largest opposition party) in the Lok Sabha
  • A. 1, 2 and 4
  • B. 1, 3 and 4
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. With reference to the 2023 Act and the Supreme Court position that preceded it, consider the following statements: 1. The 2023 Act replaced the Chief Justice of India on the selection panel with a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. 2. In Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023), the Supreme Court had mandated, pending a law, a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India. 3. While recusing in 2026, CJI Surya Kant directed that the petitions be listed before a bench composed only of judges who are in the line of succession to the office of CJI. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The 2023 Act replaced the Chief Justice of India on the selection panel with a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
  2. In Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023), the Supreme Court had mandated, pending a law, a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India.
  3. While recusing in 2026, CJI Surya Kant directed that the petitions be listed before a bench composed only of judges who are in the line of succession to the office of CJI.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3
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