The President of India (Articles 52-62)

The President of India is the head of state and the supreme commander of the armed forces. Though largely a ceremonial figurehead, the President plays a crucial role in the functioning of the Indian democracy.

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I. Constitutional Provisions (Articles 52-62)

Article	Provision
Article 52	There shall be a President of India.
Article 53	The executive power of the Union is vested in the President.
Article 54	Election of the President.
Article 55	Manner of election (by an electoral college).
Article 56	Term of office (5 years).
Article 57	Eligibility for re-election.
Article 58	Qualifications for election.
Article 59	Conditions of the President’s office.
Article 60	Oath of office.
Article 61	Procedure for impeachment.
Article 62	Time for election to fill a vacancy.

🚀 Current President: Droupadi Murmu (Since July 25, 2022) – First tribal woman President of India.

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II. Election of the President (Articles 54-55)

✅ The President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of:

1. Elected members of both Houses of Parliament (MPs).
2. Elected members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), including Delhi and Puducherry.

🚀 Who is NOT part of the Electoral College?
❌ Nominated MPs of Rajya Sabha & Lok Sabha
❌ Nominated MLAs in State Assemblies

✅ Voting system: Proportional Representation with Single Transferable Vote (STV).
✅ Secret ballot is used.

🚀 Example: The value of an MP’s vote is higher than that of an MLA’s vote to maintain balance.

1. Calculation of Vote Value

The vote value of MPs and MLAs is determined as follows:

✅ The total value of votes in the Presidential election remains balanced between Parliament and State Legislatures.

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2. Step-by-Step Election Process

1. Nomination: Any eligible candidate must be proposed by at least 50 MPs/MLAs and seconded by another 50 MPs/MLAs.
2. Voting: Members cast votes using a secret ballot.
3. Vote Counting: Votes are weighted based on MP and MLA vote values.
4. Winning Requirement: A candidate must secure more than 50% of the total valid votes.
5. Declaration of Results: The Returning Officer (usually the Lok Sabha Secretary-General) announces the winner.

🚀 Example: In 2022, Droupadi Murmu secured over 64% of valid votes to become President.

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3. Disputes and Challenges in the Election

✅ The Supreme Court hears disputes regarding the President’s election under Article 71.
✅ If election rules are violated, the court may declare the election void and call for a re-election.
✅ Grounds for challenge:

• Use of unfair influence or bribery.
• Incorrect nomination process.
• Misuse of government machinery for election purposes.

🚀 Example: In 1974, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition against the election of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed.

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4. Comparison with Presidential Elections in Other Countries

Country	Election System	Head of Government
India	Indirect election by Electoral College	Prime Minister (Real Executive)
USA	Direct election through Electoral College	President (Both Head of State & Government)
France	Direct election by the people	President (Power shared with PM)
UK	No Presidential system (Monarchy & Parliament)	Prime Minister (Real Executive)

✅ India follows a Parliamentary system where the President has mostly ceremonial powers, unlike the USA, where the President has full executive powers.

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III. Qualifications to Become the President (Article 58)

To be eligible for the office of President, a person must:
✅ Be a citizen of India.
✅ Be at least 35 years old.
✅ Be qualified to be a member of Lok Sabha.
✅ Not hold any office of profit under the government.

🚀 Example: A sitting judge, government officer, or governor cannot contest unless they resign.

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IV. Term, Re-election & Removal

✅ Term: 5 years (Can be re-elected multiple times).
✅ Re-election: No limit (Dr. Rajendra Prasad was re-elected once).
✅ Resignation: Can resign by writing to the Vice President.

🚀 Longest-serving President: Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1950-1962)
🚀 Shortest-serving President: Dr. Zakir Hussain (1967-1969) – Died in office.

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Conclusion

✅ The President of India is elected through an indirect system ensuring equal representation of states and Parliament.
✅ Vote values of MPs and MLAs maintain balance in elections.
✅ The Supreme Court can hear disputes regarding Presidential elections.
✅ India follows a Parliamentary system where the President has limited executive powers compared to the USA.

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