What are the key constitutional safeguards of Judicial Independence in India?

The Constitution of India ensures the independence of the Judiciary through several structural mechanisms:

1. Security of Tenure: Supreme Court and High Court judges hold office until the age of 65 and 62 respectively, and can only be removed through an impeachment procedure (Article 124(4)).
2. Charged Salaries: Salaries and pensions of judges are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India and cannot be varied to their disadvantage during tenure (Article 125(2)).
3. Ban on Practice After Retirement: Supreme Court judges are debarred from pleading before any court or authority in India (Article 124(7)).
4. Contempt of Court: The judiciary has the power to punish for contempt of court (Article 129 and 215) to maintain its authority.