Read the following statements carefully :
I. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India is appointed by the President of India.
II. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is answerable to the President.
Choose the correct option :

Question

Read the following statements carefully : 
I. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India is appointed by the President of India. 
II. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is answerable to the President. 
Choose the correct option :

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is Option 3: "I is correct and II is incorrect." Let's break down why this is the case:

1. **Explanation for Statement I:**
   - Statement I is correct because the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India is indeed appointed by the President of India. This is in accordance with Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, which provides for the appointment of the Election Commission, including the Chief Election Commissioner, by the President.

2. **Explanation for Statement II:**
   - Statement II is incorrect because the Chief Election Commissioner is not answerable to the President. The CEC operates independently of the executive branch to ensure free and fair elections in India. The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority, and its independence is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The CEC is not answerable to the President in the execution of their duties.

3. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:**
   - **Option 1: Both I and II are correct** - This option is incorrect because, as explained, Statement II is not correct. The CEC is not answerable to the President.
   - **Option 2: Both I and II are incorrect** - This option is incorrect because Statement I is correct. The CEC is appointed by the President of India.
   - **Option 4: I is incorrect and II is correct** - This option is incorrect because Statement I is correct, and Statement II is incorrect. The CEC is appointed by the President, and they are not answerable to the President.

In conclusion, Option 3 is the correct answer because it accurately reflects the truth of the statements: the Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President of India, but is not answerable to the President, ensuring the independence of the Election Commission.