Q. With reference to the powers of the President of India, consider the following statements:
1.The President can exercise all three types of vetoes—absolute, suspensive, and pocket—but not qualified veto.
2.The President is constitutionally bound to give assent to constitutional amendment bills passed by Parliament.
3.During a national emergency under Article 360, the President can declare war or suspend fundamental rights.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- The President of India has three types of veto powers:
- Absolute Veto (can withhold assent permanently),
- Suspensive Veto (can return a non-Money Bill for reconsideration), and
- Pocket Veto (can delay taking action indefinitely).
The Qualified Veto, which can be overridden by a higher legislative majority, is not available to the Indian President; it exists in the USA.
- As per the 24th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1971, the President must give assent to a Constitutional Amendment Bill. No veto applies here.
- Article 360 relates to Financial Emergency, not National Emergency (which is under Article 352). Under Article 360, the President can reduce salaries, including judges, and direct states to reserve money bills, but cannot declare war or suspend fundamental rights.
Source: Laxmikant (Polity)
