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President of India

Political executive

Article 52 · Article 53 · Article 54 · Article 61

De jure
55
De facto
25
Volatility
30
Legitimacy
60

In theory

Head of State and formal repository of the Union's executive power, acting on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

In practice

Almost entirely a nominal, ceremonial head in normal times; retains genuine independent discretion mainly in narrow situations like appointing a PM after a hung Lok Sabha, or the limited window to return non-money bills.

Checks and balances

This office checks

→ Supreme Court of India Appoints judges of the Supreme Court (on the binding recommendation of the collegium).→ Supreme Court of India Appoints judges of the Supreme Court (on the binding recommendation of the collegium).

Checked by

← Prime Minister of India The Council of Ministers effectively drives most substantive presidential action via binding aid and advice.← Prime Minister of India The Council of Ministers effectively drives most substantive presidential action via binding aid and advice.

Sources

  • Laxmikanth, Indian Polity, Ch. on the President -- discretionary powers
  • Laxmikanth, Indian Polity, Ch. on the President -- discretionary powers