*“In our politically system the head of the state exercises only nominal (false) powers.”* Evaluate this statement and mention any three situations (or more) in which the President only uses his discretion.
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From:-
Working of Institutions.
IXth - Civics.
Answers
In the political system of India, the head of the state [President] excercises only nominal powers.
He can excercise all his powers only on the advice on council of ministers. The President can ask the council of ministers for reconsideration of advice, but if the same advice is given again, the President is bound to accept and act according
to it.
Also, the President can never claim the kind of direct popular mandate like which the Prime Minister can. This ensures that the President remains the nominal executive.
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In some situations,the President also has some discretionary powers, in which he can act without the advice of council of ministers :-
1. He can appoint the Prime Minister when no party gets a clear majority in Lok Sabha, or the house of Prime Minister lies vacant due to his sudden death. In this case, the President can ask the newly appointed Prime Minister to prove his majority in Lok Sabha within a specific period of time.
2. He can dissolve the Lok Sabha if the Council of ministers have lost their majority.
3. The President can also dismiss the Council of Ministers in case of no-confidence.