Consider the following statements about Powers of President of India:

President has the power to appoint prime minister at his discretion when no party is in clear majority in Centre

President can establish an interstate council at any time if it appears to him that it is necessary for public interests

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Question

President has the power to appoint prime minister at his discretion when no party is in clear majority in Centre: This statement is theoretically correct but practically President invites the leader of the majority party or coalition that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha to form the government at the Centre. If no party has a clear majority, the President invites the leader who is likely to garner a majority support in the Lok Sabha.
President can establish an interstate council at any time if it appears to him that it is necessary for public interests: This statement is correct. As per Article 263 of the Indian Constitution, the President is empowered to establish an Inter-State Council to inquire into and advise upon disputes between states, if it appears to him that the disputes are likely to escalate and affect public interests. The President can establish this council anytime when he feels it is necessary in the larger public interest.

GKToday Admin · Accepted Answer

Both 1 & 2

President has the power to appoint prime minister at his discretion when no party is in clear majority in Centre: This statement is theoretically correct but practically President invites the leader of the majority party or coalition that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha to form the government at the Centre. If no party has a clear majority, the President invites the leader who is likely to garner a majority support in the Lok Sabha.
President can establish an interstate council at any time if it appears to him that it is necessary for public interests: This statement is correct. As per Article 263 of the Indian Constitution, the President is empowered to establish an Inter-State Council to inquire into and advise upon disputes between states, if it appears to him that the disputes are likely to escalate and affect public interests. The President can establish this council anytime when he feels it is necessary in the larger public interest.

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