How is the President of India elected and what are their powers

The question delves into the process of electing the President of India and the authority they hold.
The President of India is elected by an Electoral College, which consists of the elected members of both houses of Parliament - the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha - as well as the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the states. Here is a point-wise breakdown of the process for electing the President of India:
  • Nomination: Candidates for the presidency can be nominated by any eligible voter and must secure the support of at least 50 electors as proposers and 50 electors as seconders.
  • Election: The election is conducted through a secret ballot, and the winner is determined by a plurality of votes.
  • Powers of the President: The President of India is the head of state and exercises various constitutional powers including:
    • Appointing the Prime Minister and other members of the Union Council of Ministers.
    • Summoning and proroguing the sessions of Parliament.
    • Giving assent to laws passed by Parliament.
    • Representing India at international forums.
    • Issuing ordinances in extraordinary situations when Parliament is not in session.
    • Granting pardons, reprieves, and commuting sentences in certain cases.
    • Acting as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
It is important to note that the President of India primarily holds a ceremonial role and acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Answered a year ago
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