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:

  1. A. ii, iii, i, iv (Correct answer)
  2. B. ii, i, iii, iv
  3. C. i, ii, iii, iv
  4. 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:
OrderFunctionaryRank in the Table
1Speaker of the Lok Sabha (ii)Rank 6
2Judges of the Supreme Court (iii)Rank 9
3Chief Election Commissioner (i)Rank 9-A
4Attorney 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