Consider the following statements:
- If the election of the President of India is declared void by the Supreme Court of India, all acts done by him/her in the performance of duties of his/her office of President before the date of decision become invalid.
- Election for the post of the President of India can be postponed on the ground that some Legislative Assemblies have been dissolved and elections are yet to take place.
- When a Bill is presented to the President of India, the Constitution prescribes time limits within which he/she has to declare his/her assent.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — None
All three statements are incorrect. Statement 1 wrongly suggests that acts done by the President whose election is declared void become invalid—they remain valid. Statement 2 incorrectly claims that dissolution of Legislative Assemblies can postpone Presidential elections—the Supreme Court has ruled otherwise. Statement 3 falsely asserts that the Constitution prescribes time limits for Presidential assent—no such time limit exists.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Article 71(2) specifically provides that if the election of a person as President is declared void by the Supreme Court, acts done by him/her before the date of such declaration are not invalidated and continue to remain in force.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The Supreme Court in 1974 held that the dissolution of a state legislative assembly would not be a ground for preventing the holding of the Presidential election on the expiry of the President's term, nor can it be grounds for postponement until state assembly elections are held.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The Constitution of India does not prescribe any time limit within which the President has to decide concerning a bill presented for his/her assent. The President can keep bills pending indefinitely (pocket veto).
📝 Short Notes: Presidential Powers and Elections
| Aspect | Constitutional Provision |
|---|---|
| Validity of Presidential Acts | Article 71(2) - Acts performed before election being declared void remain valid |
| Presidential Election Timeline | Cannot be postponed due to dissolved state assemblies (SC 1974 ruling) |
| Presidential Assent | No time limit prescribed; President can exercise pocket veto |
| Presidential Assent Options | 1. Give assent to the Bill 2. Withhold assent to the Bill 3. Return the Bill (except Money Bill) for reconsideration 4. Keep pending indefinitely (pocket veto) |
| Exception | When a Bill is returned and passed again by Parliament, President must give assent |
Question 4 of 8 President
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