President of India

Introduction

The President of India is the ceremonial head of the country and the highest constitutional authority. The office is established by Part V (Articles 52 to 78) of the Indian Constitution. The President acts as a symbol of the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of India.

Election Process

The President is elected indirectly by an Electoral College consisting of:

• Elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)
• Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union Territories

The election is held by the system of proportional representation through a single transferable vote. This system ensures fair representation for different states and parties.

Term and Qualifications

• Term: 5 years from the date of assumption of office.
• Re-election: The President can be re-elected any number of times.
• Qualifications:
• Must be a citizen of India.
• Must have completed 35 years of age.
• Qualified to be elected as a member of the Lok Sabha.
• Must not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or any state government.

Powers and Functions

1. Executive Powers

The President appoints the Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Governors of States, Supreme Court and High Court judges, the Chief Election Commissioner, and other key officials. All executive actions of the government are taken in the name of the President.

2. Legislative Powers

The President summons and prorogues Parliament sessions and dissolves the Lok Sabha. Bills passed by Parliament become laws only after the President gives assent. The President can return a bill for reconsideration (except money bills).

3. Judicial Powers

The President has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, remissions, or commute sentences in certain cases, including death penalty cases.

4. Military Powers

The President is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces and appoints the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

5. Diplomatic Powers

The President represents India in international forums and appoints ambassadors and diplomats.

6. Emergency Powers

The President can proclaim National, State, and Financial Emergencies based on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

Impeachment and Removal

The President can be impeached for violation of the Constitution. The impeachment process can be initiated in either House of Parliament and requires a two-thirds majority for conviction and removal.

Role in Indian Democracy

The President acts as a guardian of the Constitution and protector of democratic values. Although largely a ceremonial post, the President plays a key role during political crises such as hung assemblies, government formation, and dissolution of the Lok Sabha.

Important Articles Related to the President

• Article 52: Establishment of the office of the President
• Article 53: Executive power of the Union vested in the President
• Article 54: Election of the President
• Article 55: Manner of election of the President
• Article 61: Procedure for impeachment of the President
• Article 72: Powers of pardon, reprieve, remission, or commutation
• Article 74: Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President
• Article 356: President’s rule in states (emergency provisions)

Previous Year Questions

• SSC CGL 2018: Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?
• The President of India
• RRB JE 2019: What is the term of the President of India?
• 5 years
• HSSC 2020: Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the impeachment of the President?
• Article 61
• UPSC 2017: The President of India can grant pardon in which types of cases?
• In all cases, including death sentence cases
• SSC JE 2021: Who acts as the President of India when the President is unable to discharge his duties?
• The Vice-President of India
• UPSC 2019: How is the President of India elected?
• By an Electoral College through proportional representation by single transferable vote
• SSC MTS 2017: What is the maximum number of terms a President of India can serve?
• No limit on the number of terms
• HSSC 2018: Name the article which vests executive power in the President of India.
• Article 53
• RRB ALP 2020: Which body can impeach the President of India?
• Parliament by a two-thirds majority
• SSC GD 2019: Who was the first President of India?
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Conclusion

The President of India is a vital constitutional figure who acts as the symbol of India’s sovereignty, democracy, and unity. Though the role is mostly ceremonial, the President holds significant powers to ensure the smooth functioning of the Indian democratic system.