UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Appointment of new Deputy Election Commissioner puts ECI work hierarchy in focus

Q1. Consider the following assertion: Fixing the salary of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners as equal to that of a Supreme Court judge, rather than equal to that of the Cabinet Secretary, better insulates the Commission from the executive. Which of the statements given above support/supports the assertion?

  1. A Supreme Court judge's salary is fixed by an Act of Parliament, whereas the Cabinet Secretary's salary is fixed by the government on the recommendation of the Pay Commission.
  2. Under the 2023 law, the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed on the recommendation of the Cabinet Secretary.
  3. Under the 2023 law, the salary of the Chief Election Commissioner can be revised by the Union Government through an executive order.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 1 only

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. The Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed from office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
  2. Under the law enacted by Parliament in 2023, the Chief Election Commissioner is paid a salary equal to that of a Judge of the Supreme Court.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q3. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. An Election Commissioner other than the Chief Election Commissioner does not enjoy removal protection on par with a Judge of the Supreme Court.
  2. Since Article 324 allows the President to fix the number of Election Commissioners, an Election Commissioner holds office during the pleasure of the President.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q4. With reference to the constitutional safeguards for the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) and the Election Commission of India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Regional Commissioners appointed under Article 324 can be removed only in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
  2. Both the CAG and the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
  3. The Constitution expressly makes the Chief Election Commissioner ineligible for further office under the Government of India after ceasing to hold office.
  4. The Constitution expressly makes the CAG ineligible for further office under the Government of India or of any State after ceasing to hold office.
  • A. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • D. 1 and 3 only

Q5. With reference to the Election Commission of India and the officers who work in it, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A Deputy Election Commissioner, being an officer of the Commission, can be removed only on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
  2. The number of Election Commissioners besides the Chief Election Commissioner is fixed by the President from time to time.
  3. When requested by the Election Commission, the President or a State Governor must make available the staff needed for its functions.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 1 and 3 only

Q6. Which one of the following matters is governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and not by the Representation of the People Act, 1951?

  • A. Qualifications and disqualifications for membership of Parliament
  • B. Conduct of the poll and the counting of votes at elections
  • C. Preparation and revision of electoral rolls for constituencies
  • D. Trial of election petitions challenging the election of a returned candidate

Q7. Suppose Parliament amends the law to reduce the salary and pension entitlements of the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners, with immediate effect for those already in office. Which of the statements given above is/are correct regarding the consequences?

  1. The reduction cannot operate to the disadvantage of the Chief Election Commissioner already in office.
  2. The reduction would automatically lower the salary of Supreme Court judges too, since the two are pegged to each other.
  3. The Constitution contains no express clause preventing the reduction from applying to Election Commissioners already in office.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 only
  • D. 1 and 3 only