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Q54 (CDS-II/2009) Polity & Governance › Union Executive › Powers of President Answer Verified

In India the Supreme Command of the Defence Forces is vested in the President. This means that in the exercise of this power.

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: B
Explanation

According to Article 53(2) of the Indian Constitution, the supreme command of the Defence Forces of the Union is vested in the President [t1][t4]. However, the Constitution explicitly states that the exercise of this power 'shall be regulated by law' [t1][t4][t9]. This ensures that the President's military powers are not absolute and are subject to the legislative control of Parliament [c3][c4]. Furthermore, as a constitutional head in a parliamentary system, the President must exercise these functions in accordance with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, as mandated by Article 74 [c1][c2][c5]. While the President can declare war or conclude peace, such actions are subject to parliamentary approval [c3][c4]. Therefore, the President's role as Supreme Commander is a legal and constitutional authority regulated by the laws of the land rather than an extra-legal power.

Sources

  1. [1] https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-the-president-of-india-is-also-supreme-commander-of-the-armed-forces-8068636/
  2. [2] Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS > The President > p. 68
  3. [3] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 11: The Union Executive > 2. Powers and Duties of the President > p. 210
  4. [4] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 18: President > Milit ary Powers > p. 191
  5. [5] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 18: President > Milit ary Powers > p. 191
  6. [6] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 11: The Union Executive > Indian President compared with American President and English Crown. > p. 232
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