15-09-2024
06:30 PM
Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
Mains: Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government
The President of India is one of the most significant and powerful positions in the Indian government.
To fulfill the role of the President as the head of state, the Constitution of India grants the President certain powers and functions. These powers and functions are designed to ensure that the President can effectively serve as the head of the state and oversee the functioning of the government. The powers and functions of the President of India can be analyzed under the following categories:
The President of India is the formal head of the executive branch of the government, and all actions taken by the government are carried out in his name.
The President of India has the power to appoint the Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
The President can summon and prorogue the Parliament and dissolve the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister. He also summons a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, which is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Diplomatic Powers and Functions of the President of India include
Military Powers and Functions of the President of India include
In addition to the normal powers mentioned above, the Constitution confers extraordinary powers on the President to deal with the following three types of emergencies:
The Constitution of India limits the President's powers to ensure that the President does not become too powerful and to maintain the separation of powers among the branches of government. Some limitations on the President's powers include
Hence, The President's powers are subject to several checks and balances to ensure that the government maintains a balance of powers between the President, the Council of Ministers, and the Parliament.
The President of India is vested with three–absolute veto, suspensive veto and pocket veto. There is no qualified veto in the case of an Indian President; it is possessed by the American President.
The President of India has the following discretionary powers based on different situations(Situational Discretion):
Moreover, the President of India does not enjoy any constitutional discretion along the lines of the Governor of a state.
Q) Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force? (Mains, 2018)
Q) Instances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse. (Mains, 2014)
Q) If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then (Prelims, 2018)
(a) the Assembly of the State is automatically dissolved.
(b) the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament.
(c) Article 19 is suspended in that State.
(d) the President can make laws relating to that State.
Q) Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the President’s rule in a State? (Prelims, 2017)
1. Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly
2. Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State
3. Dissolution of the local bodies
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q) Consider the following statements: (Prelims, 2014)
1. The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of the said business.
2. All executive actions of the Government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q) According to the Constitution of India, it is the duty of the President of India to cause to be laid before the Parliament which of the following? (Prelims, 2012)
1. The Recommendations of the Union Finance Commission
2. The Report of the Public Accounts Committee
3. The Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General
4. The Report of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q) Consider the following statements: (Prelims, 2013)
1. The Council of Ministers in the Centre shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament.
2. The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India.
3. The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for legislation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
The Indian constitution does not fix any timeline for the President to give assent to a bill.
Yes, the President of India has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister, but this power is rarely exercised.
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