Legislative Powers

The President of India is a component part of the Union Parliament. In theory he possesses extensive legislative powers. He has power to summon and prorogue the Parliament and he can dissolve the Lok Shaba. Article 85 (1), however, imposes a restriction on his power. The President is bound to summon Parliament within six months from the last sitting of the former session. If there is a conflict between the two houses of Parliament over an ordinary Bill he can call a joint sitting of both Houses, to resolve the deadlock (Article 108).

At the commencement of each session the President addresses either House of Parliament of a joint session of a Parliament. In his address to joint session of Parliament he outlines the general policy and programme of the Government. His speech is like that of the King in England and is prepared by the Prime Minister. He may send message to either Houses of Parliament
(Art. 86).

Every Bill passed by both Houses of Parliament is to be sent to the President for his assent (Article 111). He may give his assent to the Bill, or withhold his assent or in the case of a bill other than a money-bill, may return it to the House for reconsideration on the line suggested by him. If the bill is again passed by both the houses of the Parliament with or without amendment, he must give his assent to it when it is sent to him for the second time. A bill for the recognition of a new State or alteration of State boundaries can only be introduced in either House of the Parliament after his recommendation (Article3).

The State Bills for imposing restrictions on freedom of trade and commerce require his recommendation (Article 304). He nominates 12 members of the Rajya Sabha from among persons having special knowledge or practical experience of Literature, Science, Art and Social Services [Article 80(3)]. He is authorized by the Constitution to nominate two anglo-Indians to the Lok Sabha, if he is of opinion that the anglo-Indians community is not adequately represented in that House (Article 331).

The President has to lay before the Parliament the Annual Finance Budget, the report of Auditor-General, the recommendations of the Finance Commission, Report of the Union Public Service Commission, and report of the Special Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the report of the
Commission of the Backward Classes and the report of the Special Officer for linguistic minorities