Their correct sequence in the order of precedence is:
Indian Polity ·Previously asked in JKCCE 2024
View the full solved paper: JKCCE Prelims 2024 — General Studies Paper I
Question
Consider the following functionaries:
i. Chief Election Commissioner
ii. Speaker of the Lok Sabha
iii. Judges of the Supreme Court
iv. Attorney General of India
Their correct sequence in the order of precedence is:
- A. ii, iii, i, iv (Correct answer)
- B. ii, i, iii, iv
- C. i, ii, iii, iv
- D. i, iv, iii, ii
Correct Answer
Option A — ii, iii, i, iv
Detailed Solution & Explanation
The correct answer is ii, iii, i, iv.
Key Points
- The Table of Precedence places these four functionaries in this order:
| Order | Functionary | Rank in the Table |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Speaker of the Lok Sabha (ii) | Rank 6 |
| 2 | Judges of the Supreme Court (iii) | Rank 9 |
| 3 | Chief Election Commissioner (i) | Rank 9-A |
| 4 | Attorney General of India (iv) | Rank 14 |
- The sequence is therefore ii → iii → i → iv.
Additional Information
- The Table of Precedence is not part of the Constitution. It is issued by the President through the Ministry of Home Affairs, and governs ceremonial protocol at state functions only. It confers no power and creates no hierarchy of authority.
- The top of the Table: 1. President; 2. Vice-President; 3. Prime Minister; 4. Governors within their own states; 5. Former Presidents and Deputy Prime Minister; 6. Chief Justice of India and Speaker of the Lok Sabha; 7. Cabinet Ministers of the Union, Chief Ministers within their states, Deputy Chairman NITI Aayog, former Prime Ministers and Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses.
- Rank 9-A is occupied jointly by the Chief Election Commissioner and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India — a position inserted to give these two independent constitutional authorities their due place.
- The Attorney General sits at rank 14, alongside the Cabinet Secretary and the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission — a reminder that ceremonial rank does not track constitutional importance.
- The Speaker's precedence above the Supreme Court judges reflects the standing of the presiding officer of the popular House; the Speaker ranks equal with the Chief Justice of India.
Topics covered: Order of Precedence Constitutional Offices Indian Polity