Indian Polity: The President of India

The President is the Head of the State and the first citizen of India. Articles 52 to 78 in Part V of the Constitution deal with the Union Executive, including the President.

Election and Tenure

• Electoral College: Elected indirectly by elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of Legislative Assemblies of States and UTs (Delhi & Puducherry).
• System: Proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
• Term: Holds office for a term of five years and is eligible for re-election.
• Impeachment: Can be removed only for “Violation of the Constitution” via Article 61.

Powers and Functions

• Executive: All executive actions of the GOI are formally taken in the President’s name.
• Legislative: Summons and prorogues Parliament; can dissolve the Lok Sabha.
• Pardoning Power: Under Article 72, the President can grant pardons, reprieves, or remissions of punishment.
• Ordinance Power: Can promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session (Article 123).

Question for you: Who was the only President of India to be elected unopposed?

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