Final answer:
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed by the Parliament, which ensures checks and balances within the Indian democratic system. The removal process requires a special majority in both houses, reflecting the serious nature of such an action.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed by the Parliament.
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed by the Parliament. More specifically, they can be removed on similar grounds to a Supreme Court judge, which includes proved misbehavior or incapacity.
The process of removing a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is designed to safeguard their independence and ensure that they are not subject to undue pressure from the executive branch of the government. The Constitution of India outlines the procedure for removing the CEC, which bears similarities to the process of impeachment of judges in India. This includes a two-step process: first, a motion supported by a special majority of both the Houses of Parliament must be passed, and subsequently, the President can remove the CEC based on this motion. A special majority requires 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.
The President operates on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers and does not unilaterally make the decision to remove the CEC. Thus, while the President formally removes the CEC, it is essentially the Parliament that decides whether a CEC should be removed, ensuring that there is a significant legislative check on the election commission.