Correct Option (a):
Statement 1 is correct. The President of India appoints Supreme Court judges in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and such other judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts as deemed necessary. This consultation mechanism, outlined in Article 124(2), ensures a check against arbitrary executive appointments and upholds judicial independence.
Statement 3 is correct. The salaries, allowances, and pensions of Supreme Court judges are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India. This provision, primarily under Article 112(3)(d) and Article 146(3), implies that these expenditures are not subject to the vote of Parliament, thereby safeguarding the financial autonomy of the judiciary.
Incorrect Options:
Statement 2 is incorrect. Supreme Court judges can only be removed by an order of the President, following an address by both Houses of Parliament supported by a special majority. This process is detailed in Article 124(4) and (5). The Chief Justice of India does not possess the authority to remove a judge unilaterally.
Statement 4 is incorrect. Article 146(1) vests the power to appoint officers and servants of the Supreme Court with the Chief Justice of India or such other judge or officer of the Court as he may direct. The executive government has no role in these appointments, not even a consultative one, which ensures the administrative independence of the judiciary.