The correct option is It requires a general consensus among Members of the Parliament..
Explanation
To ensure the independence of the judiciary, the Constitution of India provides security of tenure to judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. The process for their removal is deliberately made stringent to prevent arbitrary action by the legislature or the executive.Analysis of Options
- It requires a general consensus among Members of the Parliament. is Correct: The removal of a judge requires a Special Majority in both Houses of Parliament. This means 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. Such a high voting threshold implies that a judge cannot be removed unless there is a general consensus or broad agreement across the political spectrum in Parliament.
- It is an easy process to ensure accountability. is Incorrect: The process is not easy; it is extremely difficult. This difficulty is a constitutional safeguard to ensure that judges can function without fear or favor.
- The President can remove a judge without Parliament's approval. is Incorrect: The President cannot remove a judge unilaterally. The President can issue a removal order only after an address by Parliament has been presented to him in the same session for such removal.
- The Chief Justice of India can remove other judges. is Incorrect: The Chief Justice of India does not have the power to remove other judges. The removal mechanism involves an inquiry committee and a parliamentary vote, culminating in a Presidential order.
Key Takeaway:
The removal of a judge requires a Special Majority in Parliament, ensuring that the tenure of judges is secure and removal is possible only with broad legislative consensus.