History & Civics
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.
President & Vice-President
5 Likes
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:
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.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.
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.
Answered By
4 Likes
Related Questions
According to Article 63 of our Constitution "There shall be a Vice-President of India'. In this context, state:
(a) the manner of his/her election
(b) any three qualifications for election
(c) two of his/her important powers
Study the picture 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 President of India.
(c) Why is it said that the President of India is only a nominal head?
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.
Suppose riots break out in your State and there is a break down of law and order. What will the Governor of your State do and what will be its consequences?