Constitutional Bodies — Set 12

Correct Answer: A. Article 148

Article 148 deals with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. The CAG is appointed by the President. The CAG holds office for a term of 6 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The CAG cannot be reappointed after holding office. The CAG can be removed from office in the same manner as a judge of the Supreme Court — by an address of both Houses of Parliament (special majority). The CAG's salary and service conditions are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India.

Correct Answer: B. Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It is a statutory body, not a constitutional body. The NHRC's Chairman must be a retired Chief Justice of India. The NHRC investigates complaints of human rights violations by government officials. It can recommend compensation to victims, but its recommendations are not binding. India established the NHRC following the UN's Paris Principles on national human rights institutions.

Correct Answer: C. UPSC

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is a statutory body established under the CVC Act, 2003. The NHRC is a statutory body under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is not a constitutional or statutory body — it derives its power from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 and executive orders.

Correct Answer: B. Process similar to removal of a Supreme Court judge — address of both Houses of Parliament

The Chief Election Commissioner can only be removed from office in the same manner as a judge of the Supreme Court — through an address by both Houses of Parliament passed by special majority (not less than two-thirds of the members of each House present and voting) and a majority of total membership. This process ensures the independence of the Chief Election Commissioner. This security of tenure was confirmed in the original Article 324 and is a key safeguard for electoral integrity.

Correct Answer: B. Redrawing boundaries of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies based on the latest census

The Delimitation Commission is established under the Delimitation Act to redraw the boundaries of Parliamentary constituencies (Lok Sabha), State Legislative Assembly constituencies (Vidhan Sabha), and reserved seats (for SC/ST) based on the latest census data. Its orders are final and cannot be challenged in courts. The 84th Amendment (2001) froze the number of Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha seats till 2026. The last delimitation was based on the 2001 census.

Correct Answer: C. Election Commission of India

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India based on consensus among political parties. It sets standards for the behavior of political parties, candidates, and government during the election period to ensure free and fair elections. The MCC is not a law but has evolved as a voluntary code since 1971 (though the Election Commission enforces it firmly). It comes into force from the date of announcement of elections and remains in force till the completion of elections.

Correct Answer: C. Article 312

Article 312 empowers the Rajya Sabha to create new All-India Services by passing a resolution declaring it necessary in the national interest by a 2/3 majority of its members present and voting. Parliament can then create such services by law. Currently, there are three All-India Services: IAS, IPS, and IFS. The UPSC conducts combined examinations for IAS and IPS (Civil Services Examination). The All-India Services are common to both the Union and the states.

Correct Answer: C. 1952

The first Finance Commission of India was constituted in 1952 under Article 280, with K.C. Neogy as its Chairman. The Finance Commission makes recommendations on the distribution of tax revenues between the Centre and States and also determines the principles governing grants-in-aid to states from the Consolidated Fund of India. The 16th Finance Commission was constituted in December 2023 with Arvind Panagariya as its Chairman.

Correct Answer: C. Comptroller and Auditor General

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is described as the 'watchdog of public finances'. The CAG audits the accounts of the Union Government, State Governments, and public sector undertakings to ensure public money is spent for authorized purposes. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called the CAG 'the most important officer under the Constitution'. The CAG's audit reports are examined by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.

Correct Answer: C. When additional Election Commissioners are appointed by the President

The Election Commission of India was originally a single-member body (only the Chief Election Commissioner). It becomes a multi-member body when the President appoints Election Commissioners. Currently, it has three members: the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. The Chief Election Commissioner has more security of tenure than the Election Commissioners (who can be removed by the President on the CEC's recommendation). The Election Commissioners Act, 2023 also regulates their appointment.