The President of India holds a significant position as the head of state and the highest constitutional authority in the country. While the President's role is largely ceremonial, they do possess certain powers and responsibilities that contribute to the functioning of the Indian political system. Here are some key powers and functions of the President of India:
Executive Powers: The President appoints the Prime Minister, who is usually the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament). The President also appoints other important officials such as the Council of Ministers, Governors of states, and members of constitutional bodies.
Legislative Powers: The President has the power to summon, prorogue (end), or dissolve the sessions of Parliament. They also give assent to bills passed by Parliament, which are required for them to become laws. In certain situations, the President can also promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
Diplomatic Powers: The President represents India in international relations. They receive foreign ambassadors and high-level dignitaries, and they also accredit ambassadors to foreign countries on behalf of India. The President plays a ceremonial role in welcoming and hosting foreign heads of state and other international guests.
Judicial Powers: The President has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment for offenses under central laws. They also have the authority to seek advice from the Supreme Court of India on legal matters of public importance.
Emergency Powers: During times of national emergency, the President can declare a state of emergency, which grants them additional powers to deal with the crisis. The President can declare three types of emergencies: (a) national emergency due to war or external aggression, (b) constitutional emergency (President's Rule) in case of breakdown of constitutional machinery in a state, and (c) financial emergency due to a threat to the country's financial stability.
It is important to note that while the President has these powers, they are exercised on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, with the exception of certain discretionary powers. The President's role is primarily to ensure the stability and proper functioning of the government and to uphold the constitution of India.
The powers and functions of the President of India are outlined in the Constitution of India, and any exercise of power must be in accordance with the constitutional provisions and democratic principles.
Here is a list of the Presidents of India from 1947 to 2023
- Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1962-1967)
- Dr. Zakir Hussain (1967-1969)
- Varahagiri Venkata Giri (acting) (1969)
- Varahagiri Venkata Giri (1969-1974)
- Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1974-1977)
- Basappa Danappa Jatti (acting) (1977)
- Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (1977-1982)
- Giani Zail Singh (1982-1987)
- R. Venkataraman (1987-1992)
- Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (1992-1997)
- Kocheril Raman Narayanan (1997-2002)
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2002-2007)
- Smt. Pratibha Patil (2007-2012)
- Shri Pranab Mukherjee (2012-201
- Shri Ram Nath Kovind (2017-2023)
Droupadi Murmu is the 15th and current president, having taken office from 25 July 2022. The office of president was created when India officially became a republic on 26 January 1950 after gaining independence on 15 August 1947, when its constitution came into force.
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