Q2(a): Discuss the institutional relationship between the President and the Prime Minister as per the Indian Constitutional text. Discuss their changing role in the present context.
The institutional relationship between the President and the Prime Minister of India is intricately defined by the Indian Constitution, with specific roles and responsibilities that have evolved over time. Let’s discuss this relationship in detail as per the constitutional text and then examine how their roles have changed in the contemporary context.
Constitutional Provisions
The President
The President of India is the ceremonial head of state, symbolizing the unity and integrity of the nation. Key constitutional provisions related to the President include:
- Article 52: Establishes the position of the President.
- Article 53: Vests the executive power of the Union in the President, which can be exercised directly or through officers subordinate to him.
- Article 74: Mandates that the President shall act in accordance with the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
- Article 75: Specifies that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President, and the other Ministers shall be appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister of India is the head of government and leads the executive branch. Key constitutional provisions related to the Prime Minister include:
- Article 74: The Prime Minister heads the Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President in the exercise of their functions.
- Article 75: The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and is typically the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
- Article 78: Details the duties of the Prime Minister, including communicating to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers and furnishing information related to the administration of the Union’s affairs.
Institutional Relationship
Constitutional Roles
- Appointment and Removal: The President appoints the Prime Minister, who is usually the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha. The President also appoints other ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister. The President can dismiss the Prime Minister if they lose the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
- Executive Authority: While the executive power is vested in the President, it is actually exercised by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. The President acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
- Advisory Role: The Prime Minister acts as a link between the President and the Council of Ministers. He advises the President on the appointment of ministers and communicates the decisions of the Cabinet to the President.
Contemporary Context
The roles of the President and the Prime Minister have evolved, influenced by political dynamics and the changing nature of governance. Here are some key aspects of their changing roles:
- President’s Discretion: Though largely a ceremonial role, the President’s discretion becomes significant during certain situations, such as hung parliaments or coalition governments. Presidents like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Pranab Mukherjee have exercised their discretion in unique ways, influencing political outcomes.
- Prime Minister’s Dominance: The role of the Prime Minister has grown significantly, with the office often dominating the political landscape. Strong Prime Ministers like Indira Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Narendra Modi have centralized power, shaping policy and governance with a strong personal imprint.
- Coalition Era: The era of coalition politics (1990s-early 2000s) saw a shift in the dynamics between the President and the Prime Minister. The President’s role in inviting parties to form the government and ensuring stability became crucial.
- Emerging Trends: In the recent past, there has been a trend towards more assertive presidential roles in some instances, though the overall framework remains the same. The increased visibility of the President in public affairs and social initiatives reflects this shift.
- Technological and Global Influence: The expanding influence of technology and global interconnectedness has also impacted the functioning of both offices. The President’s role in diplomatic and ceremonial functions has grown, while the Prime Minister’s engagement in international relations has become more pronounced.
Conclusion
The institutional relationship between the President and the Prime Minister in India is defined by the constitutional framework, which balances ceremonial duties with executive authority. While the President acts as the ceremonial head, the Prime Minister is the real executive authority. Over time, political dynamics and evolving governance challenges have influenced their roles, reflecting the adaptability of the Indian constitutional system to changing contexts.
