Q. In which among the following constitutional posts, the person holds office during the pleasure of the President of India?
1. Prime Minister
2. Chief Election Commissioner
3. Attorney General of India
4. Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Exp) Option b is the correct answer.
The Union executive consists of the President, the VicePresident, the Prime Minister, the council of ministers and the Attorney general of India. The President is the head of the Indian State. He is the first citizen of India and acts as the symbol of unity, integrity and solidarity of the nation.
Option 1 is correct: The term of the Prime Minister is not fixed and he holds office during the pleasure of the president. However, this does not mean that the president can dismiss the Prime Minister at any time. So long as the Prime Minister enjoys the majority support in the Lok Sabha, he cannot be dismissed by the President. However, if he loses the confidence of the Lok Sabha, he must resign or the President can dismiss him.
Option 2 is incorrect: Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed from his office except in same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court. Thus, he does not hold his office till the pleasure of the president, though he is appointed by him.
Option 3 is correct: The Attorney General (AG) is appointed by the president. The Constitution does not contain the procedure and grounds for his removal. He holds office during the pleasure of the president. This means that he may be removed by the president at any time.
Option 4 is incorrect: The CAG is appointed by the president of India by a warrant under his hand and seal. He can also be removed by the president on same grounds and in the same manner as a judge of the Supreme Court. Thus, he does not hold his office till the pleasure of the president, though he is appointed by him.
