Election Commissioners get Supreme Court judge salary and six-year tenure

It matters to citizens because it legally defines the salary, tenure, pension, and decision-making procedures for the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners who oversee elections in India.

Who it concerns: The Chief Election Commissioner, other Election Commissioners, the President of India, and the Election Commission as a body.

What the document says

• The salary of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners is equal to the salary of a Judge of the Supreme Court.
• The term of office for the Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner is six years from the date of assuming office.
• The office must be vacated if the officer attains the age of sixty-five years before the expiry of the six-year term.
• Pension entitlements upon demission of office (other than resignation) are equal to those payable to a Judge of the Supreme Court.
• The power to grant, refuse, revoke, or curtail leave for the Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner vests in the President.
• Business of the Election Commission shall be transacted unanimously as far as possible.
• If the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners differ in opinion, the matter is decided according to the opinion of the majority.

Also in the document

• The Act was enacted on 25th January, 1991, and subsequently amended by Act 4 of 1994.
• Officers are entitled to subscribe to the General Provident Fund (Central Services).
• Conditions of service such as rent-free residence, conveyance facilities, and medical facilities apply as they do for a Judge of the Supreme Court.