EXECUTIVE HEAD OF THE UNION OF INDIA: AN OVERVIEW By: Dr. S. Manjula

[1] Assistant Professor (SG), The Tamil Nadu Dr.Ambedkar Law University, No.5, M.G.R.Salai, Perungudi,    

   Chennai – 600113. Mob. No.8838038775, Email id., smanjulaprof@gmail.com

[2] According to Art.53(1): “the executive power of the Union shall be vested in the President and shall be exercised                                                  by him directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with this Constitution”.

[3] The electoral college shall consist of –

The elected members of both Houses of Parliament;

The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States; and

The elected members of the legislative assemblies of Union Territories of Delhi and Pondicherry (Art 54).

[4] Rashtrapati Bhawan is an attraction to many visitors every year. Rashtrapati Bhavan has 340 rooms. The    Rashtrapati Bhavan has a floor area of 2,00,000 square feet.

[5] The President of India is entitled to a Black Mercedes Benz S600 (W221) Pullman Guard which is custom-built. President also has a heavily armoured stretch limousine for official visits. The motorcade will also include the former presidential car, a black Mercedes-Benz W140, and an armoured limousine.

[6] Some of the post retirement benefits are,

• The President of India will get Rs. 1.5 lakh/month as a pension (at current rates).
• The spouses of Presidents will get secretarial assistance of Rs. 30,000 per month.
• One furnished rent-free bungalow (Type VIII).
• Two free landlines and a mobile phone.
• Five personal staff including a private secretary.
• Staff expenses of Rs.60,000 a year.
• Free Travel with a companion by train or air.

[7] Under the Indian Constitution, the President shall have the power to appoint-  The Prime Minister of India, other Ministers of the Union, the Attorney-General for India, the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, the Judges of the Supreme Court, the Judges of the High Courts of the States, the Governor of a State, a Commission to investigate interference with water-supplies, the Finance Commission, the Union Public Service Commission and Joint Commissions for a Group of States, the Chief Election Commissioner and other members of the Election   Commission, a Special Officer for the Scheduled Castes and Tribes,  a Commission to report on the administration of Scheduled Areas, a Commission to investigate into the condition of backward classes, a Commission on Official Language, special Officer for linguistic minorities.

[8] 1994 AIR 1918, 1994 SCC (3)1

[9] Writ Petition No.257 OF 2005.

[10] 1960 AIR 493, 1960 SCR (2) 569.

[11] 1989 AIR 653, 1988 SCR Supl.(3) 1102

[12] 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 of the Indian Constitution has made it obligatory for the President to act only on the advice of the Council of Ministers.