Election Commissioner of India

Republic of India
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Election Commissioner of India is a member of Election Commission of India, a body constitutionally empowered to conduct free and fair elections to the national and state legislatures. He is usually a member of the Indian Civil Service and mostly from the Indian Administrative Service.

Until 1989, the commission was a single member body, but later two additional Election Commissioners were added. Thus, the Election Commission currently consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. The decisions of the commission are taken by a majority vote. Achal Kumar Jyoti is the current Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioner is Om Prakash Rawat. H.S.Brahma retired on 19 April 2015. Achal took over Dr.Nasim Zaidi as 21st Chief Election Commissioner.^[1]

Appointment and removal

The President of India based on a recommendation from the Government of India appoints the Election Commissioners. They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through impeachment by Parliament in a manner similar to that of a judge of the Supreme Court. On the other hand, other Election Commissioners can be removed by the President on recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

Compensation

The salary and other conditions of service of the Election Commissioner are determined by the Parliament of India through "Election Commission (Condition of Service of Election Commissions And Transaction of Business) Act, 1991".

The CEC enjoys the same status and receives the same salary and perks as provided to judges of the Supreme Court.

List of Election Commissioners

References