Appointment
- The Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioner are appointed by the President of India.
- If it is multi-member body, the chief election commissioner shall act as the chairman of the election commission.
- In case of difference of opinion amongst the Chief Election Commissioner and/or two other election commissioners, the matter is decided by the Commission by majority.
- The president may also appoint after consultation with the election commission such regional commissioners as he may consider necessary to assist the election commission.
Conditions Of Service
- The President fixes the service condition and tenures.
- They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
- They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- They can resign at any time by addressing the resignation letter to the president or can also be removed before the expiry of their term.
Procedure For Removal
- He/she can be removed either on the ground of “proved misbehaviour or incapacity”.
- He/she can be removed by the president on the basis of a resolution passed to that effect by both the Houses of Parliament with special majoritye. majority of two-third members present and voting supported by more than 50% of the total strength of the house.
- The Constitution does not use the word ‘impeachment’, for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner. The term ‘Impeachment’ is only used for removing the President.
- The Election Commissioner or Regional Commissioner can only be removed from office by the Chief Election Commissioner.
