The Constitution makers of India adopted a Parliamentary form of Government based on British Westminster model.
But, unlike the British model, they opted for a chosen head of state elected indirectly for five years. He occupies a position of pre-eminence in the institutional set of the country and regarded as first citizen of the country.
Image Source: peo.gov.au
1. Qualification:
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A person should be
1. A citizen of India.
2. Must not be less than 35 years.
3. Must be qualified to be elected as member of Lok Sabha.
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4. Must not hold any office of profit under the state.
Election:
According to Article 54, the President shall be elected by an electoral college consisting of
i. The elected members of both the houses of Parliament.
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ii. The elected members of State Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Assemblies of Union Territory of Delhi and Pondicherry.
Article 55 provides for ensuring uniformity in the election of President by
1. Maintaining a balance between states as a whole and the Union.
2. Population of states and votes of legislators. Value of Vote of M.L. A. = population of
The election of President is held in accordance with system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote.
2. Term:
The term of President’s office is five years from the date on which he enters upon his office. However, he is eligible for re-election.
3. Salary:
The President gets emolument of Rs 1, 50,000/- per month along with allowances and government accommodation.
4. Resignation:
President may resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the Vice-President.
5. Impeachment:
The President may be impeached for ‘violation of the Constitution’ in accordance with the provisions in Article 61 of the Constitution.
6. Procedure for Impeachments:
A motion seeking removal of the President can be introduced in either house of the Parliament by giving a notice signed by not less than 1/4 of the total strength of the house. The resolution can be moved after a fourteen days notice is served on him.
If the house passes the resolution by not less than 2/3rd of the total strength of the house, the matter is to be referred to the other house which will investigate the charges.
The President however, has the right to defend himself in the other house either by himself or through an attorney. If the second house also passes the resolution by majority of not less than 2/3rd of the total strength of the house, the President is considered removed from his office from the date of passing of such resolution.