The correct option is By the President of India on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner..
Explanation
The removal of Election Commissioners is governed by Article 324(5) of the Constitution of India. While the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) enjoys security of tenure similar to a Judge of the Supreme Court, the other Election Commissioners (ECs) have a distinct removal mechanism designed to ensure the independence of the Commission while maintaining administrative coherence.
Option Analysis:
- By the President of India on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner. is Correct: According to the second proviso of Article 324(5), any Election Commissioner or Regional Commissioner shall not be removed from office except on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner. The power to remove lies with the President, but it can only be exercised if the CEC recommends it.
- They can be removed only through the special majority process in Parliament. is Incorrect: The process of removal through a special majority in Parliament (impeachment-like process) applies only to the Chief Election Commissioner (and Judges of the Supreme Court/High Courts). Other Election Commissioners do not enjoy this specific constitutional protection.
- They can be removed by the Chief Election Commissioner unilaterally. is Incorrect: The Chief Election Commissioner does not have the power to remove other Commissioners unilaterally. The CEC can only recommend removal; the actual authority to remove vests with the appointing authority, i.e., the President of India.
- They cannot be removed before their term expires. is Incorrect: Election Commissioners do not have a fixed tenure that is absolute. They can be removed before the expiry of their term (6 years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier) following the procedure prescribed in the Constitution.
Key Takeaway:
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only in the manner and on the grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court, whereas other Election Commissioners can be removed by the President on the recommendation of the CEC.