Indian Polity and Governance

Under Article 324(5) of the Constitution, Parliament has the power to make laws regarding the conditions of service and tenure of office of Election Commissioners and Regional Election Commissioners. This includes matters like salary, allowances, leave, and removal procedures. State Legislatures do not have this power.

The Election Commission of India has the exclusive power to decide de-recognition of political parties based on their electoral performance, including cases like election boycott. This power is derived from the Election Symbols Order and related electoral laws. Courts cannot interfere in the routine exercise of this power though they can review it for arbitrariness.

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the presiding officer and has administrative control over the Lok Sabha Secretariat. The Secretariat assists the Speaker in conducting House business and maintaining parliamentary records. The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs is an executive branch member, while the President has a ceremonial role.

The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament - Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Unlike the Presidential election, state legislative assembly members do not participate in the Vice-Presidential election. The Vice-President acts as the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (as per the original Article 124). This is a constitutional appointment, not by Parliament or Prime Minister. The President acts on the advice of the CJI (and in modern practice, the collegium of senior judges). This ensures judicial independence in the appointment process.

The High Court is directly under the Supreme Court of India in the judicial hierarchy. Cases from High Courts can be appealed to the Supreme Court. The President is the constitutional head but not in the judicial chain. The Governor heads the state executive, not judiciary. The CJI heads the Supreme Court, not directly supervising High Courts in the hierarchy.

The President of India is the head of state, not the head of government. The Prime Minister is the head of government. This distinction follows the Westminster system. The President has constitutional powers but exercises them on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.

The President of India has constitutional authority but acts in a nominal/ceremonial capacity. 'Constitutional' refers to powers derived from the Constitution, while 'nominal' indicates they are exercised on ministerial advice. 'Titular' is close but less precise; 'de jure' refers to legal position rather than practical role.

Option (1) is incorrect: The Chairman of the State Public Service Commission is not appointed by the Chief Minister. Option (2) is incorrect: The Chairman of the State Public Service Commission is not appointed by the Prime Minister. Option (3) is incorrect: The Chairman of the State Public Service Commission is not appointed by the President. Option (4) is correct: The Chairman of the State Public Service Commission is appointed by the Governor.

Option (1) is incorrect: No such provision. Option (2) is incorrect: The Chairman of Rajya Sabha never chairs a joint meeting of both Houses of Parliament. Option (3) is correct: Joint meeting of both Houses of Parliament is chaired by the Speaker of Lok Sabha. Option (4) is incorrect: Option (3) is correct.

Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution provides for 12 nominated members in the Rajya Sabha. These members are nominated by the President and have special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service. The Rajya Sabha Chairman presides over the house but does not nominate members.

Article 74(1) states that the President shall act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. The powers of summoning, proroguing, and dissolving Parliament are exercised on the advice of the Council of Ministers, not just the Prime Minister. This ensures collective ministerial responsibility and prevents arbitrary presidential action.

The President summons each House, prorogues (ends sessions of) either House, and can dissolve the Lok Sabha. While dissolution applies only to Lok Sabha (Rajya Sabha is a permanent house), the question asks about activities performed 'in respect of both Houses' - summoning and prorogation apply to both, making option D correct as the President performs all these activities constitutionally.