Which provision helps ensure the independence of the judiciary?

Correct answer: Judges may be removed only by Parliament through a special procedure

Direct answer: B, judges may be removed only through a special parliamentary procedure. Security of tenure protects judges from being dismissed simply because a government or powerful person dislikes a decision. In India, removal of a judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court is not an ordinary administrative act; it requires the constitutionally prescribed process involving Parliament and a special majority, on grounds such as proved misbehaviour or incapacity. Option B is correct because this difficult procedure reduces the danger of political pressure. Option A is wrong because arbitrary government removal would threaten independence. Option C is wrong because judges are not elected annually by the public. Option D is wrong because judges must follow the Constitution and law, not daily political instructions from ministers. The safeguard does not mean judges can act unlawfully; it protects lawful, impartial decision-making. Memory cue: secure tenure helps a judge decide according to law rather than fear dismissal.