UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — CJI’s role in CEC, EC appointments was temporary, pending new law: SC

Q1. With reference to the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, consider the following persons: 1. Prime Minister 2. Chief Justice of India 3. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha 4. Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister Which of the above are correctly identified as members of the Selection Committee for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners?

  1. Prime Minister
  2. Chief Justice of India
  3. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha
  4. Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1, 3 and 4
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2 and 4

Q2. With reference to the appointment mechanism for the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners as laid down by the Supreme Court in Anoop Baranwal (2023) compared with that under the CEC and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, consider the following statements: 1. The Anoop Baranwal judgment included the Chief Justice of India in the selection panel, while the 2023 Act replaced the CJI with a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. 2. Under both the Anoop Baranwal mechanism and the 2023 Act, the Prime Minister is a member of the selection committee. 3. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha was a member under the Anoop Baranwal mechanism but is excluded from the selection committee under the 2023 Act. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Anoop Baranwal judgment included the Chief Justice of India in the selection panel, while the 2023 Act replaced the CJI with a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
  2. Under both the Anoop Baranwal mechanism and the 2023 Act, the Prime Minister is a member of the selection committee.
  3. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha was a member under the Anoop Baranwal mechanism but is excluded from the selection committee under the 2023 Act.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, who heads the Search Committee that prepares the panel of names for consideration by the Selection Committee?

  • A. Union Law Minister
  • B. Cabinet Secretary
  • C. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister
  • D. Secretary, Legislative Department

Q4. How many members constitute the Selection Committee for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023?

  • A. Two
  • B. Three
  • C. Four
  • D. Five

Q5. Which one of the following correctly defines the term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner as laid down under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023?

  • A. Six years from the date of assumption of office, with no age ceiling
  • B. Six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier
  • C. Five years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier
  • D. Six years or until the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier