The President of India: Election, Powers, and Impeachment
The President of India is the head of state and the first citizen of India. While largely a ceremonial role, the President holds significant constitutional powers and plays a crucial part in the functioning of the Indian government. Understanding the nuances of their election, powers, and the process of impeachment is vital for competitive exams like the UPSC Civil Services Prelims.
Election of the President
The President is not directly elected by the people. Instead, they are elected through an electoral college, as per Article 54 of the Constitution. This electoral college comprises:
- Elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
- Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States.
- Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry (added by the 70th Amendment Act, 1992).
Elected members of both Houses of Parliament, and elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry.
Powers of the President
The President's powers can be broadly categorized into executive, legislative, financial, judicial, diplomatic, military, and emergency powers.
| Category | Key Powers/Functions |
|---|---|
| Executive Powers | Appoints Prime Minister and other ministers, Attorney General, Comptroller and Auditor General, Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts, Governors, Chief Election Commissioner, etc. All executive actions are taken in his name. |
| Legislative Powers | Summons and prorogues Parliament, dissolves Lok Sabha, addresses Parliament, assents to bills, promulgates ordinances, can send bills back for reconsideration (except money bills). |
| Financial Powers | Money bills can only be introduced in Parliament on his recommendation. Annual financial statement presented to Parliament. Can make advances from Contingency Fund of India. |
| Judicial Powers | Appoints Chief Justice and other judges of Supreme Court and High Courts. Can grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment. |
| Diplomatic Powers | Represents India in international forums, appoints ambassadors, receives foreign diplomatic representatives. |
| Military Powers | Supreme command of the defence forces. Appoints Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force. Declares war and concludes peace (subject to parliamentary approval). |
| Emergency Powers | Can declare National Emergency (Art. 352), State Emergency (President's Rule, Art. 356), and Financial Emergency (Art. 360). |
The President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. However, the 44th Amendment Act, 1978, gave the President the power to ask the Council of Ministers to reconsider their advice, but they must act according to the advice tendered after reconsideration.
Impeachment of the President
The President can be removed from office by impeachment for 'violation of the Constitution'. This is a quasi-judicial process initiated by either House of Parliament.
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Key Constitutional Articles
Understanding the relevant articles is crucial for exam preparation:
- Article 52: The President of India.
- Article 53: Executive power of the Union.
- Article 54: Election of President.
- Article 55: Manner of election of President.
- Article 56: Term of office of President.
- Article 57: Eligibility for re-election.
- Article 58: Qualifications for election as President.
- Article 60: Oath or affirmation by the President.
- Article 61: Procedure for impeachment of the President.
- Article 72: Power of President to grant pardons, etc.
- Article 74: Council of Ministers to aid and advise President.
- Article 77: Conduct of business of the Government of India.
- Article 111: Assent to Bills.
- Article 123: Power of President to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Parliament.
- Article 352: Proclamation of Emergency.
- Article 356: Provisions in case of failure of constitutional machinery in States (President's Rule).
- Article 360: Provisions as to Financial Emergency.
Significance for Competitive Exams
Questions related to the President's election, powers (especially discretionary vs. mandatory), impeachment process, and the role of the Council of Ministers are frequently asked in UPSC Prelims. Pay close attention to the articles, amendments, and landmark Supreme Court judgments related to the President's office. Understanding the balance of power between the President and the Council of Ministers is key.
Learning Resources
Direct access to the official text of Part V of the Indian Constitution, covering the Union Executive, including the President. Essential for understanding the legal framework.
A comprehensive blog post from a reputable UPSC preparation platform, detailing the election, powers, and impeachment of the President with a focus on exam relevance.
While this link is to previous question papers, the UPSC website itself is an authoritative source for understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, indirectly guiding what aspects of the President's role are important.
A visual explanation of the presidential election process in India, which can aid in understanding the electoral college and voting system.
A detailed video lecture covering the extensive powers and functions of the President of India, crucial for exam preparation.
A focused article explaining the constitutional procedure and legal aspects of impeaching the President of India.
This resource provides a structured overview of the President's powers, often comparing them with constitutional provisions and their practical implications.
A comprehensive overview of the office of the President of India, including historical context, election, powers, and impeachment, with links to further reading.
While a book, referencing the relevant chapter from 'Indian Polity' by M. Laxmikanth is a standard and highly recommended approach for UPSC preparation, offering in-depth analysis.
PRS Legislative Research provides summaries of bills and acts, which is invaluable for understanding how constitutional amendments have shaped the President's role over time.