The correct option is By the President if both Houses of Parliament make a recommendation with a special majority..
Explanation
Article 324(5) of the Constitution of India ensures the independence and autonomy of the Election Commission by providing security of tenure to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
Detailed Analysis:
- By the President if both Houses of Parliament make a recommendation with a special majority. is Correct: The Constitution states that the CEC shall not be removed from office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court. This requires a removal motion to be passed by both Houses of Parliament with a special majority (a majority of the total membership of the House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting). Upon such a recommendation, the President issues the removal order.
- By the President at his/her pleasure. is Incorrect: The CEC does not hold office during the pleasure of the President. This provision applies to positions like the Governor or Union Ministers, but the CEC is granted constitutional protection to function without executive interference.
- By a simple majority in the Lok Sabha. is Incorrect: Removal requires a special majority in both Houses, not a simple majority in the Lok Sabha alone.
- By the Supreme Court of India on grounds of misconduct. is Incorrect: The Supreme Court does not directly remove the CEC. While the grounds (proved misbehaviour or incapacity) are similar to those for judges, the process is parliamentary, not judicial.
Key Takeaway:
The Chief Election Commissioner can only be removed through a process of impeachment-like proceedings in Parliament, identical to that of a Supreme Court Judge, ensuring security of tenure.