The President of India is the constitutional head of the country and the first citizen of India. The President is the supreme commander of the armed forces. Provisions about the President are given in Articles 52 to 62 of the Constitution.
Election of the President
The President is elected indirectly by an Electoral College. It consists of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of State Legislative Assemblies, including Delhi and Puducherry. The election uses the system of proportional representation by single transferable vote.
Eligibility and Term
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must have completed 35 years of age.
- Must be qualified for election to the Lok Sabha.
- The term of office is five years.
- Can be re-elected any number of times.
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Powers of the President
- Executive powers – appoints the Prime Minister, ministers, governors and judges.
- Legislative powers – summons and dissolves Parliament, gives assent to bills.
- Financial powers – money bills need the President's recommendation.
- Judicial powers – grants pardons under Article 72.
- Emergency powers – can declare National, State and Financial emergencies.
Impeachment
The President can be removed through impeachment under Article 61 for violation of the Constitution. The process can begin in either House of Parliament and needs a special majority.
Quick Revision Points
- President is covered under Articles 52-62.
- Elected by an Electoral College indirectly.
- Minimum age is 35 years; term is 5 years.
- Supreme commander of the armed forces.
- Grants pardons under Article 72.
- Impeachment is done under Article 61.
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India.