Actual Article
Article 54 of the Indian Constitution outlines the process for the election of the President of India. This article specifies the composition of the Electoral College responsible for electing the President, ensuring a federal balance in the election process.
Text of Article 54
“The President shall be elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of—
(a) the elected members of both Houses of Parliament; and
(b) the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States.”
UPSC Notes for Article 54
- Objective: To define the procedure and electoral body for electing the President of India, ensuring representation from both the Union and the States.
- Key Provisions:
- Electoral College: Comprises elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States, including the Union Territories with Legislative Assemblies.
- Exclusion of Nominated Members: Nominated members of both Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies do not participate in the Presidential election.
- Significance: Ensures a broad-based and representative election process for the highest constitutional office, reflecting the federal structure of the Indian polity.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 54
- Kuldip Nayar vs. Union of India (2006): Though primarily focused on the Rajya Sabha elections, this case underscored the importance of elected representation in the context of parliamentary democracy, indirectly reinforcing the principles outlined in Article 54.
- S. R. Bommai vs. Union of India (1994): Emphasized the significance of federal principles in Indian democracy, relevant to understanding the federal nature of the Presidential Electoral College.
Important Reports Related to Article 54
- Sarkaria Commission Report (1983): Discussed the role of the President and the federal nature of his election, recommending measures to maintain the delicate balance between the Union and the States.
- Punchhi Commission Report (2010): Examined the functioning of the federal system and suggested reforms to strengthen the role of states in the electoral process.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 54
- Prelims 2020:
- Which of the following participates in the election of the President of India?
- (a) Elected members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies
- (b) Elected members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha only
- (c) Nominated members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- (d) Elected members of State Legislative Councils
- Answer: (a) Elected members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies
- Prelims 2016:
- Who among the following does not participate in the election of the President of India?
- (a) Elected members of Lok Sabha
- (b) Elected members of Rajya Sabha
- (c) Elected members of State Legislative Assemblies
- (d) Nominated members of Rajya Sabha
- Answer: (d) Nominated members of Rajya Sabha
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 54
- Mains 2019:
- Discuss the composition and significance of the Electoral College for the Presidential election in India. How does Article 54 ensure federal representation?
- Mains 2017:
- Analyze the process of electing the President of India as per Article 54 of the Constitution. How does this process reflect the federal nature of the Indian political system?
Article 54 is crucial in ensuring the President of India is elected through a representative Electoral College, reflecting the federal structure of the Indian polity. The composition of the Electoral College, which includes elected representatives from both the Union and State legislatures, ensures that the President’s election process is inclusive and representative of the entire nation. Understanding the provisions and implications of Article 54 is essential for UPSC aspirants preparing for both prelims and mains examinations.