Article 56 of the Indian Constitution speaks about the terms of office the president holds. Enshrined in Part V of the Constitution, which deals with the Union executive, this article delineates the office of the President of India, the nation’s highest constitutional authority. Under Article 56, the President serves as the head of state and exercises a myriad of powers, ranging from appointing key officials to granting pardons, all while upholding the principles of justice, integrity, and welfare of the nation.
What does Article 56 states ?
Term of office of President
(1) The President shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office: Provided that
(a) the President may, by writing under his hand addressed to the Vice President, resign his office;
(b) The Parliament may remove the President from office by impeachment in the manner provided in Article 61 for violation of the constitution.
(c) the President shall, notwithstanding the expiration of his term, continue to hold office until his successor enters upon his office
(2) The Vice President shall forthwith communicate any resignation addressed to him under clause (a) of the proviso to clause (1) to the Speaker of the House of the People.
Tenure and Duration
Article 56 (1) states that the President shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which they enter upon their office. The President’s tenure commences on the day of their oath-taking ceremony, which marks the official assumption of their duties as the head of state.
Eligibility for Re-election
The electoral college, consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and state legislative assemblies, can re-elect the President for a second term if the President fulfills the constitutional eligibility criteria and receives their support.
Early Termination and Resignation
If the President resigns from the office before completing their full term, their term may be cut short. Additionally, Article 56 (3) stipulates that the President may also be removed from office by impeachment for violation of the Constitution. This provision ensures accountability and prevents abuse of power by the highest constitutional office.
Non-Partisan Office
The President’s office is fundamentally apolitical, and Article 56 reaffirms this non-partisan nature. During their tenure, the President upholds the values of impartiality, integrity, and the constitutional ethos and does not become a member of any political party.
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