Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Q. The controversy over the appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners reflects the larger issue of institutional independence in Indian democracy. Discuss. (UPSC GS Paper II: Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary, Election Commission of India)
- Q. Somnath Temple reflects India’s civilisational resilience through faith, memory and reconstruction. Discuss its significance in the context of cultural heritage and heritage-led development. (GS Paper I – Indian Culture, Heritage, History and Architecture;)
Q. The controversy over the appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners reflects the larger issue of institutional independence in Indian democracy. Discuss. (UPSC GS Paper II: Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary, Election Commission of India)
Introduction:
The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body responsible for conducting elections. Free and fair elections are the foundation of democracy. Therefore, the independence of the Election Commission is essential for maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
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Article 324(2) provides that the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners shall be appointed subject to any law made by Parliament. However, for many decades, Parliament did not enact a law on the appointment procedure.
Before the 2023 law, appointments were largely made through an executive-driven process. The Union Law Ministry prepared names, the Prime Minister recommended them, and the President made the appointment.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
In Anoop Baranwal vs Union of India, 2023, the Supreme Court held that the Election Commission must be insulated from executive interference. It laid down an interim appointment process consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and Chief Justice of India.
The Court described the Election Commission as a guardian of democracy and stressed that elections must be conducted by persons who act impartially and honestly.
2023 Act and Its Controversy
Parliament later enacted the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023.
The law created a Selection Committee consisting of:
- Prime Minister
- Leader of Opposition
- Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister
The controversy arose because the Act removed the Chief Justice of India and replaced the CJI with a Cabinet Minister. Petitioners argue that this gives the executive dominance over the appointment process.
Concerns
The major concerns are:
- Possibility of executive influence
- Weakening of institutional neutrality
- Wide discretion to the Selection Committee
- Lack of proper parliamentary debate
- Impact on public confidence in elections
Supreme Court’s Recent Observation
In 2026, the Supreme Court described Parliament’s long delay in making a law as “tyranny of the elected.” This reflects the concern that elected governments may fail to act in the spirit of constitutional democracy when institutional independence is at stake.
Way Forward
The appointment process should be transparent, balanced and independent. The Election Commission may also be strengthened through an independent secretariat and financial autonomy by charging its expenditure to the Consolidated Fund of India.
Conclusion:
The issue is not merely about appointment procedure. It concerns the independence of one of India’s most important democratic institutions. A credible and independent Election Commission is necessary to protect free and fair elections and strengthen constitutional democracy.
Q. Somnath Temple reflects India’s civilisational resilience through faith, memory and reconstruction. Discuss its significance in the context of cultural heritage and heritage-led development. (GS Paper I – Indian Culture, Heritage, History and Architecture;)
(GS Paper III – Internal Security | Defence Technology | Cyber Warfare | Nuclear Deterrence)
Introduction:
Somnath Temple, located at Prabhas Patan on the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat, is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage centres and is regarded as the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv marks 1,000 years since the first recorded attack in 1026 and 75 years of its reopening in 1951.
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Civilisational Resilience
Somnath represents India’s ability to preserve its cultural identity despite repeated destruction. The temple was attacked and damaged several times between the eleventh and eighteenth centuries. Yet, every time it was destroyed, devotees and rulers rebuilt it.
This shows that Indian heritage survived not only through monuments but also through collective faith, public memory and cultural will.
Historical Reconstruction
Several rulers contributed to Somnath’s restoration, including King Kumarapala, the King of Junagadh and Ahilyabai Holkar. After Independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel resolved to rebuild the temple in 1947.
Its consecration by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad on 11 May 1951 marked more than a temple restoration. It symbolised India’s cultural resurgence and national self-confidence after centuries of foreign rule.
Living Heritage
Somnath is not only a sacred monument but also a living cultural centre. It continues to attract lakhs of devotees and supports cultural programmes, pilgrimage activities and traditional worship practices.
Its architecture, including the Kailash Mahameru Prasad style, reflects India’s temple-building tradition.
Heritage-Led Development
Somnath also reflects the idea of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi.” The Somnath Trust undertakes education, skill training, healthcare, food donation, women employment, environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives.
This shows that heritage sites can support both cultural preservation and inclusive development.
Conclusion:
Somnath is a symbol of faith, resilience and civilisational continuity. Its journey from destruction to renewal shows that true heritage survives through preservation, reconstruction and public participation. It remains a powerful example of India’s cultural strength and heritage-led development.
