The President and the Vice-President

Which of the following statements about the President of India are correct?

P : The President is the supreme commander of the Defence Forces.

Q : The President exercises all powers according to his/her own discretion.

R : The President exercises his/her powers on the advice of the Prime Minister.

S : The executive power of the Indian Union is vested in the Parliament.

1. P and Q
2. P and R
3. P and S
4. S and R

Answer

P and R

Reason — The President is the supreme commander of the Defence Forces of India, and per the Constitution, executive powers are exercised on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers rather than personal discretion or Parliament.

Identify the qualifications necessary for a person to be eligible for election as President of India.

P : Has completed the age of twenty-five years.

Q : Is qualified to be a member of the Lok Sabha.

R : Is a citizen of India.

S : Is a member of a Political Party.

1. Q and R
2. P and R
3. S and R
4. P and Q

Answer

Q and R

Reason — The President must be a citizen of India and qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha. The minimum age prescribed is thirty-five years, not twenty-five, and membership of a political party is not a qualification.

Identify the officials who form the electoral college for the election of President of India.

P : The elected members of both Houses of Parliament.

Q : The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States.

R: Nominated members of Parliament.

S: Nominated members of Legislative Assemblies

1. P and Q
2. R and S
3. P and R
4. Q and S

Answer

P and Q

Reason — The Electoral College for the election of the President consists of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies. Nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and of the State Assemblies are not eligible to be included in it.

Which of the following statements about the President of India are correct?

P : The President of India holds office for a term of six years.

Q : The President of India may submit his resignation to the Vice-President of India.

R : The President of India can be removed from office for the violation of the Constitution.

S : The President of India has the power of selecting the Council of Ministers.

1. P and S
2. Q and S
3. Q and R
4. Q and P

Answer

Q and R

Reason — The President may resign by submitting his/her resignation letter to the Vice-President and may be removed from office by the process of impeachment for the violation of the Constitution. The term of office is five years, not six, and the Council of Ministers is appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Identify the Legislative Powers of the President of India.

P : The President summons and prorogues the Houses of Parliament.

Q : The President can dissolve the Lok Sabha and order fresh elections.

R : The President can nominate two members from the Anglo-Indian Community to the Lok Sabha.

S: The President appoints the Governors of the States.

1. R and S
2. P and R
3. Q and S
4. P and Q

Answer

P and Q

Reason — Summoning and proroguing the Houses of Parliament and dissolving the Lok Sabha to order fresh elections are legislative powers of the President. Appointing the Governors of the States is an executive power, and the President nominates twelve members to the Rajya Sabha.

Identify the Emergency Powers of the President of India.

P: The President can proclaim National Emergency if there is a natural calamity.

Q: The President can proclaim National Emergency if an epidemic breaks out.

R: The President can proclaim National Emergency if there is a danger of foreign aggression, civil war, insurgency or any other cause.

S: The President can proclaim Financial Emergency if there is a setback to the financial stability of the country.

1. P and S
2. R and S
3. R and Q
4. P and R

Answer

R and S

Reason — A National Emergency can be proclaimed when there is a danger of foreign aggression or a danger to the peace and security of the country because of a civil war, insurgency or any other such cause, and a Financial Emergency when there is a setback to the financial stability or credit of the country. A natural calamity or an epidemic is not a ground for proclaiming an Emergency.

The power to summon Parliament is subject to the condition that there should not be a gap of more than ............... months between two session of each house.

1. Four
2. Six
3. Three
4. Nine

Answer

Six

Reason — The President's power to summon Parliament is subject to the condition that the gap between two sessions of each House should not be more than six months.

For how long can President's rule be imposed in a state?

1. 1 month
2. 2 months
3. 6 months
4. 3 months

Answer

6 months

Reason — A Proclamation of President's Rule ceases to be valid six months after the date of its issue, even if Parliament ratifies it. It can, however, be extended for another six months, so President's Rule normally continues only for a year.

Who administers the oath of office to the President of India?

1. Comptroller and Auditor General of India
2. Prime Minister of India
3. Chief Justice of India
4. Judge of the Supreme Court

Answer

Chief Justice of India

Reason — Before entering upon his/her office, the President takes the oath in the presence of the Chief Justice of India, or in his absence, the seniormost Judge of the Supreme Court.

Select an Executive Function of the President of India.

1. Issuing ordinances
2. Appointing the Prime Minister
3. Granting assent to bills passed by Parliament
4. Addressing the nation on Independence Day

Answer

Appointing the Prime Minister

Reason — Appointing the Prime Minister, on whose advice the Council of Ministers is appointed, is an executive power of the President. Issuing ordinances and granting assent to Bills passed by Parliament are his/her legislative powers.

Read the excerpt given below:

The 14th Vice-President of India leaves office with two years left in his term; decision comes on the first day of Monsoon Session of Parliament; stepping down to abide by medical advice, he says.
— The Hindu, July 22, 2025

What is the normal duration of 'his term' in years?

1. Four
2. Five
3. Six
4. Three

Answer

Five

Reason — The Vice-President shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he/she enters upon office.

The Election Commission had announced the schedule for the seventeenth Vice Presidential Election vide its Press Note dated 1st August, 2025, fixing inter-alia September 9, 2025 as the date of poll and date of counting. Identify the officials who form the electoral college for the election.

P: Members of Lok Sabha.

Q: Members of State Legislative Assemblies.

R: Members of State Legislative Council.

S: Members of Rajya Sabha.

1. P and S
2. P and Q
3. R and S
4. Q and S

Answer

P and S

Reason — The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of the members of both the Houses of Parliament, that is, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Members of the State Legislatures have no role in this election.

Read the excerpt given below:

CP Radhakrishnan elected as Vice President of India.

— DD News, September 9, 2025

Which of the following statements about the Vice-President of India are correct?

P : Is the ex-officio Chairman of the Lok Sabha.

Q : Holds office for a term of five years.

R : Can be removed as the Vice-President by the process of impeachment.

S : Gets a salary as the Vice-President of India.

1. P and Q
2. Q and S
3. R and S
4. Q and R

Answer

Q and R

Reason — The Vice-President holds office for a term of five years and can be removed from office for the violation of the Constitution by the process of impeachment. He is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and not of the Lok Sabha, and he gets no salary as Vice-President, being paid only in the capacity of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Ms Anita Singh's nomination for the election as the Vice-President of India was rejected even though she had the qualifications of being a citizen of India and not being a member of the Parliament and State Legislature. On what ground was she disqualified?

1. For being below the age of thirty-five.
2. For being qualified to be a Member of Parliament.
3. For not holding a office of profit.
4. For her mother not being a citizen of India.

Answer

For being below the age of thirty-five.

Reason — A person is eligible for election as Vice-President only if he/she has completed the age of thirty-five years. Since Anita Singh satisfied the other qualifications, she was disqualified on the ground of being below this age.

Select the option that shows the correct relationship between Statements I and II.

(I) No Bill can become a law without the assent and the signature of the Prime Minister.

(II) Money Bills can be introduced only on the recommendation of the President.

1. (I) is true, but (II) is false
2. (I) is false, but (II) is true
3. Both (I) and (II) are true, but (II) is not the correct explanation of (I)
4. Both (I) and (II) are false

Answer

(I) is false, but (II) is true

Reason — A Bill becomes a law only after the assent and signature of the President, not the Prime Minister.

Select the option that shows the correct relationship between Statements I and II.

(I) The President of India can dissolve the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha and order fresh elections.

(II) The President of India has the power to summon both the Houses of Parliament after a gap of more than six months.

1. (I) is true, but (II) is false
2. (I) is false, but (II) is true
3. Both (I) and (II) are true, but (II) is not the correct explanation of (I)
4. Both (I) and (II) are false

Answer

Both (I) and (II) are false

Reason — The President can dissolve only the Lok Sabha, not the Rajya Sabha.
The Constitution mandates that the gap between two sessions of Parliament must not exceed six months. Therefore, the President of India has the power to summon both the Houses of Parliament, but there should not be a gap of more than six months between the two sessions.

Select the option that shows the correct relationship between Statements I and II.

(I) The President uses discretionary judgement to appoint the Prime Minister when no party has a clear majority in the Parliament.

(II) The President cannot appoint a new Prime Minister on the advice of the outgoing Prime Minister, who may have lost the election or the support of the House.

1. (I) is true, but (II) is false
2. (I) is false, but (II) is true
3. Both (I) and (II) are true, but (II) is not the correct explanation of (I)
4. Both (I) and (II) are false

Answer

Both (I) and (II) are true, but (II) is not the correct explanation of (I)

Reason — The President uses discretionary power to appoint a Prime Minister during a hung Parliament because the President cannot rely on the advice of an outgoing Prime Minister who has lost the election or the confidence of the House.

Name the body as well as the process involved in the election of the President.

Answer

Body: Electoral College (elected MPs + elected MLAs).
Process: Proportional representation via single transferable vote, with secret ballot.

Why is the President elected by indirect elections?

Answer

The President is elected by indirect elections because of the following reasons:

1. Rival Centre of Power: Directly quoting Jawaharlal Nehru’s rationale in the Constituent Assembly, direct election would create a rival centre of power to the Council of Ministers, undermining parliamentary democracy and ministerial responsibility.
2. Preventing Ruling Party Dominance: Restricting the vote solely to Parliament could reduce the President to a nominee of the ruling party, failing to represent the federated States.
3. Electoral College Balance: Including elected members of both Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies ensures the President is a truly national representative with explicit voice given to the constituent States.

How can the President vacate his/her office? On what grounds can the President of India be removed from office?

Answer

The President can vacate his office by either of the following procedures-

1. The President may submit his resignation letter to the Vice-President, in order to resign his office. Such resignation will be communicated by the Vice-President to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
2. The President may, for the violation of the Constitution, be removed from the office by the process of impeachment.

The President may, for the violation of the Constitution, be removed from the office by the process of impeachment.

Mention the occasion when the President addresses both the Houses of Parliament assembled together.

Answer

The President addresses both Houses of Parliament assembled together for the first session after each General Election to the Lok Sabha and at the commencement of the first session of each year. In this address he lays emphasis on the internal and external policies of the Government. The President has the power to address either House of Parliament or their joint sitting at any time.

The newspaper clipping announces declaration of national emergency. What happens when such an emergency is declared?

Answer

The effects of a General (National) Emergency are as follows:

1. Fundamental Rights — The exercise of the Fundamental Rights is partially or wholly suspended. Even the right to move the Supreme Court or a State High Court for the enforcement of the rights, except Articles 20 and 21, remains suspended.
2. Centre-State Relationship — The country has to forego its federal spirit, as the States are obliged to carry out the instructions of the Centre. The Union Parliament acquires the powers to give directions to a State on any matter, so that the State Government will be under the complete control of the Union Executive and will function as under a unitary system with local sub-divisions.
3. Finances — The Centre is empowered to suspend the financial provisions of the Constitution. Matters such as the distribution of revenues between the Centre and the States and the salaries of MPs may be altered.
4. Union and State Legislatures — During emergency the term of the Lok Sabha may be extended for a period of one year at a time. The same rule may be applied to the Legislative Assembly of any State.

Read the following headline that appeared in The Economic Times, April 23, 2020 and answer the question that follow:

"COVID-19: Prez Ram Nath Kovind gives nod for promulgating ordinance to punish those attacking healthcare workers."

Under which conditions can the President promulgate an Ordinance?

Answer

The power to promulgate an Ordinance is subject to the following conditions:

1. The President must be satisfied that circumstances make it necessary for him/her to take immediate action.
2. An Ordinance can be promulgated at a time when both Houses of Parliament are not in session. However, if one House is in session, there is no bar in issuing of Ordinances.
3. The Ordinance so promulgated should be laid before both Houses of Parliament when they reassemble. If the Parliament does not approve the Ordinance, it lapses. If an ordinance is not disapproved, it will automatically cease to operate at the end of six weeks from the date the Parliament re-assembles.
4. The Ordinance lapses if it is replaced by an Act of Parliament.

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu accepted credentials from the Ambassadors/High Commissioners of Dominican Republic, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka and Gabonese Republic at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (July 29, 2025).
— Press Information Bureau

Identify the power of the President of India referred in this press note. Give another example of this power.

Answer

The press note refers to the Diplomatic Powers of the President of India. In the exercise of this power, he/she receives ambassadors, High Commissioners and diplomatic envoys from foreign nations.

Another example of this power is that the President has the power of appointing Indian Ambassadors to other countries.

How is the Vice-President elected?

Answer

An Electoral College consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament elects the Vice-President.

1. The election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
2. The voting at such an election is by secret ballot.
3. Each nomination paper should be proposed by at least twenty electors (MPs) and another twenty electors should second the same.

How long can the Vice-President continue to hold office even after the expiry of his/her term? How can the Vice-President be removed from office?

Answer

The Vice-President shall continue to hold office, notwithstanding the expiry of his term, until his successor enters upon his office.

The Vice-President can be removed from office in the following cases-

1. He may, by writing, addressed to the President, resign his office. Such resignation will be communicated by the President to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
2. He may, for the violation of the Constitution, be removed from the office by the process of impeachment.

State the power of Vice-President as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Answer

The Vice-President of the Indian Union acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

1. In this capacity he regulates debates and proceedings of the House and decides the order of speeches.
2. He decides the admissibility of a resolution or of questions.
3. He may suspend or adjourn the business of the House in case of grave disorder.
4. He issues directions to the chairmen of various committees in all matters relating to their working.

Mention the ways in which the Vice-President's office is a unique feature of the Indian Constitution.

Answer

The Vice President is the second head of the Union Executive. He is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Union Legislature). Thus, he has two distinct and separate offices. This dual capacity is one of unique features of the Indian Constitution.

The excerpt given below shows which feature of the Indian Constitution: Unitary or Federal? Give a reason to support your answer.

The Raj Bhavan (Kerala), in an official communication, said, "Hon'ble President of India has withheld assent to the following Bills which Hon'ble Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan had referred to Rashtrapati Bhavan for consideration. ....Of the seven bills which Governor Arif Mohammed Khan referred to the Rashtrapati Bhavan in November last year, assent has been accorded to only one Bill, namely, Kerala Lokayukta Amendment Bill 2022. Decision on other three Bills is awaited."

— Indian Express February 29, 2024

Answer

The excerpt reflects the unitary feature of the Indian Constitution.

Although India has a federal structure, certain provisions in the Constitution give greater authority to the Union Government. One such unitary feature is that the Governor of a State can reserve a Bill passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President of India.

The President may give or withhold assent to such Bills, thereby exercising control over State legislation. This indicates that the States are not fully sovereign in their law-making powers, and the ultimate authority lies with the Centre, which is a unitary characteristic of the Constitution.

The President of India enjoys vast powers. In this context, briefly explain:

(a) Any three of his/her Executive Powers.

(b) Any three of his/her Legislative Powers.

(c) Any two of his/her Judicial Powers.

Answer

(a) Three executive powers of the President are-

1. Head of the Union Administration — All executive orders are issued in the name of the President. All the Union officials are his subordinates.
2. Control over State Governments — The Union Government may give necessary directions to a State. During President's rule the control of the Union Government over States is complete.
3. Union Territories and Border Areas — The administration of the Union Territories and the Border Areas is the responsibility of the President.

(b) Three legislative powers of the President are-

1. Addresses Sessions of Parliament — The President addresses both Houses of Parliament assembled together for the first session after each General Election to the Lok Sabha and at the commencement of the first session of each year. In this address he lays emphasis on the internal and external policies of the Government. The President has the power to address either House of Parliament or their joint sitting at any time.
2. Messages to Parliament — He has the power to send messages to either House of Parliament either in the regard to any pending Bill or to any other matter.
3. Dissolve the Lok Sabha — He can dissolve the Lok Sabha and order fresh elections. Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, not subject to dissolution.

(c) Two judicial powers of the President are-

1. The President is not answerable before any court of law for the exercise of the powers and duties of his office.
2. No criminal suit can be initiated against him during his tenure of office.

According to Dr. Ambedkar, "The President represents the nation but does not rule the nation." In this context answer the following questions:

(a) The President of India is referred to as a nominal head of the State. State two examples of legislative powers that suggest his/her nominal status.

(b) Mention the circumstances when the President can declare a national emergency.

(c) Explain two discretionary Powers of the President.

Answer

(a) The President of India is referred to as a nominal head of the State because of the following reasons-

1. According to the Constitution, the President is required to exercise his powers on the aid and advice of the Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers.
2. All proclamations of emergency made by the President have to be approved by the Parliament within one month. If it is not approved then it ceases to exist.

(b) The President can declare a national emergency in case of danger of foreign aggression or danger to the peace and security of the country because of a civil war, insurgency or any other such cause (Article 352).

(c) Two discretionary powers of the President are-

1. When the ruling party who has lost majority support in the Lok Sabha or when a vote of no-confidence may have been passed against it, recommends to the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha, then it is at the discretion of the President to either dissolve the House or ask another party to prove its majority on the floor of the House.
2. The President can dismiss Ministers in case the Council of Ministers loses the confidence of the House but refuses to resign.

Parliament has adopted a Statutory Resolution confirming the imposition of the President's Rule in Manipur, with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod early this morning. The Statutory Resolution is related to the Proclamation issued by the President on the 13th of February this year (2025) under Article 356(1) of the Constitution in relation to Manipur. The Lok Sabha has already approved it.

In this context answer the following questions:

(a) What is referred to as President's Rule? When can it be proclaimed?

(b) What is the duration of such an emergency? State two conditions under which such an emergency can be extended beyond one year.

(c) State the effect of the emergency on the administration of the State.

Answer

(a) The emergency declared in a State on the breakdown of constitutional machinery is referred to as President's Rule, because during such an emergency the President may assume to himself all or any of the functions of the Government of the State.

It can be proclaimed when the President, on receipt of a report from the Governor or otherwise, is satisfied that the governance of a State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

(b) The duration of such an emergency is two months.

1. If it were to continue beyond two months, it should be ratified by the Parliament.
2. The Proclamation will cease to be valid for six months after the date of its issue even if the Parliament ratifies it.
3. It can, however, be extended for another six months.
4. Thus, President's Rule can normally continue only for a year.
5. It may be extended beyond one year, under two conditions:
   1. When a Proclamation of Emergency is in operation in the whole of India or in any part of the State
   2. The Election Commission certifies that holding elections to the Legislative Assembly of the State is difficult.

(c) The effect of the emergency on the administration of the State is as follows-

1. The State administration is directly placed under the President (i.e. the Union Government). The Governor of the concerned State acts in accordance with the instructions that are issued by the Union Government from time to time.
2. The President may:
   1. dissolve the Vidhan Sabha of the State and dismiss the Council of Ministers
   2. keep the Assembly and the Council of Ministers in suspended animation.
      In both cases, the Union Parliament can pass laws, even on all the Subjects of the State List, for that particular State. Even the Annual Budget of that State is presented to and passed by the Parliament.
3. When the Lok Sabha is not in session the President may authorise expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund of the State.
4. The President may suspend the provision of the Constitution relating to any authority of the State except those relating to High Courts.

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill.

— News on Air, August 22, 2025

(a) What happens after this 'assent'? What procedure has the bill followed till this stage?

(b) Briefly describe two legislative functions of the President.

(c) Briefly describe three executive functions of the Head of State.

Answer

(a) After the President gives assent and signs the Bill, it becomes a law, i.e., an Act of Parliament.

The Bill follows this procedure:

1. The Bill is introduced in Parliament and passed by both Houses of Parliament.
2. After being passed by both Houses, it is sent to the President for assent.
3. The President may give assent, withhold assent, or return the Bill to Parliament with recommendations.
4. If Parliament passes the returned Bill again, with or without the suggested changes, the President has to give assent to it.
5. In this case, the President gave her assent; therefore, the Bill became an Act of Parliament.

(b) Two legislative functions of the President are:

1. Addressing Parliament: The President addresses both Houses assembled together at the first session after each General Election to the Lok Sabha and at the commencement of the first session of each year.
2. Summoning and proroguing Parliament: The President summons and prorogues the Houses of Parliament.

(c) Three executive functions of the President are:

1. Head of the Union Administration: All executive orders of the Union Government are issued in the name of the President, and Union officials are subordinate to him/her.
2. Appointment of key officials: The President appoints the Prime Minister and, on the Prime Minister's advice, the Council of Ministers. He/She also appoints important officials such as the Governors, Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, Attorney General and Comptroller and Auditor General.
3. Control over State Governments: The Union Government may issue necessary directions to the States. During President's Rule, the control of the Union Government over the concerned State becomes complete.

Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

(a) Who is administering the oath of office and to whom?

(b) State the qualifications necessary to become the Vice-President of India.

(c) How does the Vice-President act as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?

Answer

(a) The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, is administering the oath of office to the Vice-President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan.

(b) A person shall be eligible for election as Vice-President, if he/she-

1. is a citizen of India.
2. has completed the age of thirty-five years.
3. is qualified for election as a member of the Council of States.
4. does not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or Government of any State or under any local or other authority subject to the control of any of the said Governments.

(c) As the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President:

1. regulates the debates and proceedings of the House and decides the order of speeches.
2. decides the admissibility of resolutions and questions.
3. may suspend or adjourn the business of the House in case of grave disorder.
4. issues directions to the chairmen of various committees in all matters relating to their working.

Suppose you have a penfriend who lives in Los Angeles in the USA. He/She wants to know the difference in powers of the Presidents of India and the USA. Tell him/her the differences and also who has more powers.

Answer

The difference in powers of the Presidents of India and the USA are:

Suppose riots break out in your State and there is a complete breakdown of law and order in the state. What will the Governor of your State do and what will be its consequences?

Answer

The Governor of the State will send a report of the situation to the President and will recommend for President's rule. If the President is satisfied with the report he/she will declare an emergency in the state and impose President's rule. Consequences of President's rule in the state will be the following:

1. The State administration is directly placed under the President (i.e. the Union Government). The Governor of the concerned State acts in accordance with the instructions that are issued by the Union Government from time to time.
2. The President may:
   1. Dissolve the Vidhan Sabha of the State and dismiss the Council of Ministers; or
   2. Keep the Assembly and the Council of Ministers in suspended animation.
      In both cases, the Union Parliament can pass laws, even on all the Subjects of the State List, for that particular State. Even the Annual Budget of that State is presented to and passed by the Parliament.
3. When the Lok Sabha is not in session the President may authorise expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund of the State.
4. The President may suspend the provision of the Constitution relating to any authority of the State except those relating to High Courts.

However, the duration of President's rule is two months. Beyond this, it should be ratified by the Parliament for six months. It can be extended for another six months. Thus, President's rule can normally continue only for a year.

There are a few areas where the President of India can act at his/her discretion. Thus proving that the President of India is not a rubber stamp at all. Give your views on this statement by giving examples from the past.

Answer

The President of India usually acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers. However, there are certain situations where the President can act independently or use discretionary powers. This shows that the President is not just a rubber stamp, but plays an important role in safeguarding the Constitution.

Some examples where the President can act at their own discretion are:

1. When no party gets a clear majority in the Lok Sabha — the President uses personal judgment to appoint a Prime Minister who is likely to win the confidence of the House. Example — (i) In 1989, President R. Venkataraman appointed V.P. Singh as Prime Minister when no party had a majority.
   (ii) In 1996, President Shankar Dayal Sharma appointed Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister for 13 days as BJP was the single largest party.

2. The President can send back a bill passed by Parliament for reconsideration. This shows that the President can express independent views, though if the bill is passed again, the President must give assent.

3. In special cases, the President can dismiss a government that has lost majority and refuses to resign. This is also a discretionary power, though used rarely.

These situations prove that the President is not a mere rubber stamp, but an important guardian of the Constitution who acts wisely when needed.