In India, the President serves as the nominal or ceremonial head of the state. The position of the President is largely symbolic, and the real executive powers lie with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. The President’s role is defined by the Constitution of India, and while certain powers are vested in the President, they are exercised in accordance with the advice of the Council of Ministers.
1. Ceremonial Duties:
- The President performs various ceremonial duties that symbolize the unity and integrity of the nation. These include the address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day, conferring of awards, and participating in important state functions.
2. Appointment of Prime Minister:
- After a general election or in the case of a Prime Minister’s resignation, the President appoints the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister. This is a formal and ceremonial duty, and the President typically appoints the leader who is most likely to command the majority in the lower house.
3. Dissolution of Lok Sabha:
- The President has the authority to dissolve the Lok Sabha (House of the People) if the Prime Minister advises it. This is typically done when there is a need for a fresh general election.
4. Summoning and Proroguing Parliament:
- The President summons and prorogues sessions of Parliament. While the President addresses both Houses at the beginning of each session, the content of the address is prepared by the government, and the President reads it as a formality.
5. Appointment of Chief Justice and Judges:
- The President appoints the Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justices and judges of the High Courts. However, these appointments are made on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
6. Pardoning Powers:
- The President has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offense. However, this power is exercised on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
