President’s Address, Motion of Thanks, and Messages in the Indian Constitution
1. What is the President’s Address in the context of the Indian Constitution?
The President’s Address refers to a special address by the President of India to both Houses of Parliament assembled together. It occurs at the start of the first session after each general election and at the commencement of the first session each year, outlining the government’s policy and agenda.
2. Which constitutional articles deal with the President’s Address?
Articles 86 and 87 of the Indian Constitution deal with the President’s right to address Parliament and the specifics of the President’s Special Address, respectively.
3. Has the President ever addressed a single House or both Houses together under Article 86?
Since the Constitution’s commencement, the President has not exercised the provision to address a single House or both Houses together under Article 86.
4. What changes were made to Article 87 by the Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1951?
The Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1951, amended Article 87 to no longer require the President to address both Houses at the commencement of every session, but only at the start of the first session after a general election and at the beginning of the first session each year.
5. Can the Rajya Sabha meet without the President’s Address?
Yes, in situations where the Lok Sabha is dissolved at the commencement of the year’s first session, the Rajya Sabha can meet without the President’s Address, as evidenced in 1977 and 1991.
6. Who drafts the President’s Address?
The President’s Address is a statement of the government’s policies and is drafted by the government itself.
7. What is the Motion of Thanks?
The Motion of Thanks is a formal motion made in Parliament to thank the President for the address to both Houses. It initiates a debate that precedes a vote, reflecting Parliament’s response to the President’s Address.
8. Can amendments be proposed to the Motion of Thanks?
Yes, members of Parliament, typically from the opposition, can propose amendments to the Motion of Thanks, focusing on areas of disagreement or concern with the government’s policies as outlined in the President’s Address.
9. What happens after the discussion on the President’s Address?
After the discussion, the Prime Minister or any other Minister, regardless of previous participation in the discussion, has the right to explain the government’s position. The Motion of Thanks, along with any amendments, is then put to vote.
10. Why is the President’s Address important?
The President’s Address is important as it sets the legislative agenda for the session, outlining the government’s policies and priorities, and provides an opportunity for Parliament to debate and express its views on those policies.
SRIRAM’s
