SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 12

Correct Answer: Willfully acting against a constitutional provision.

Explanation

The impeachment of the President of India is governed by Article 61 of the Constitution. The only ground upon which the President can be impeached is the violation of the Constitution. This implies that the President has willfully or deliberately acted against the provisions of the Constitution. Other political or procedural disagreements, such as refusing to sign a bill or not following cabinet advice on the dissolution of the House, do not constitute grounds for impeachment.

Key Points

• The impeachment process can be initiated by either house of the Parliament.
• A notice of the charge must be signed by at least one-fourth of the total number of members of the House that initiates the motion.
• A 14-day notice period must be given to the President before the resolution is moved.
• The resolution must be passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of the House.
• Upon passing in one house, the other house investigates the charge, and the President has the right to appear and be represented during this investigation.

Additional Facts

• If the charge is sustained by the second house by a two-thirds majority, the President is removed from office from the date the resolution is so passed.
• No President of India has been impeached to date.

Important Questions

Question: Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the impeachment of the President?

Answer: Article 61.

Question: Who participates in the impeachment process of the President?

Answer: Members of both Houses of Parliament (both elected and nominated members) participate in the impeachment process. Note that unlike the election of the President, the nominated members of Parliament take part in the impeachment process.