Question map
Which one of the following powers has not been conferred on the President of India?
Explanation
The President of India does not have the power to decide on the disqualification of a Member of Parliament at his/her sole discretion. Under Article 103, while the President makes the decision, he/she is constitutionally mandated to obtain the opinion of the Election Commission and act according to such opinion. Conversely, the President has the power to appoint the Prime Minister under Article 75. Regarding judicial powers, Article 72 empowers the President to grant pardons, including for punishments by a court-martial [2]. Furthermore, the President has the authority to remove a High Court judge, but only after an address by each House of Parliament, passed by a special majority, is presented to him/her. Thus, the discretionary power mentioned in option 2 is not conferred on the President.
Sources
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 34: High Court > TENURE, REMOVAL AND TRANSFER > p. 355