Actual Article
Article 87: Special address by the President
At the commencement of the first session after each general election to the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and at the commencement of the first session of each year, the President shall address both Houses of Parliament assembled together and inform Parliament of the causes of its summons.
UPSC Notes for Article 87
Explanation:
- Mandatory Address: Article 87 mandates that the President addresses both Houses of Parliament assembled together at two specific occasions:
- At the commencement of the first session after each general election to the Lok Sabha.
- At the commencement of the first session of each year.
- Informing Parliament: The President informs Parliament of the reasons for its summons, setting the agenda for the session.
Key Points:
- Occasions for Address: The President’s address occurs at the beginning of each new parliamentary session, providing a roadmap for the legislative agenda.
- Post-Election Address: After a general election, the address marks the commencement of a new parliamentary term, outlining the government’s policies and priorities.
- Annual Address: The annual address at the beginning of each calendar year allows the President to highlight key issues and achievements from the past year and lay down the agenda for the upcoming year.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 87
Cases:
- Ramdas Athawale vs. Union of India (2010): This case indirectly addressed the importance of the President’s address in parliamentary proceedings, emphasizing the significance of the President’s communication with Parliament.
- S.P. Anand vs. H.D. Deve Gowda (1996): Though not directly related to Article 87, this case underscored the President’s role in summoning and addressing Parliament, indirectly reflecting on the significance of presidential addresses.
Commissions:
- National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) (2002): Recommended measures to enhance the effectiveness of presidential addresses, ensuring better communication between the executive and the legislature.
- Sarkaria Commission: Recommended clearer guidelines for the conduct of the President’s address to Parliament, emphasizing the importance of Article 87 in maintaining executive-legislative relations.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 87
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) Article 87 of the Indian Constitution deals with:
- A. Appointment of the Prime Minister
- B. President’s rule in states
- C. Special address by the President
- D. The composition of the Rajya Sabha Correct Answer: C. Special address by the President
- (UPSC Prelims 2019) At the commencement of which session, does the President address both Houses of Parliament assembled together?
- A. Budget Session
- B. Monsoon Session
- C. Winter Session
- D. First session after each general election Correct Answer: D. First session after each general election
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 87
- Mains 2018: “Discuss the significance of the President’s special address to Parliament as per Article 87. How does this address set the tone for the legislative agenda?”
- Mains 2020: “Analyze the role of the President’s special address in fostering dialogue between the executive and the legislature. How does Article 87 contribute to the functioning of India’s parliamentary democracy?”
Additional Insights:
- Symbol of Unity: The President’s address to both Houses of Parliament symbolizes the unity of the legislative branches and the executive.
- Parliamentary Agenda: The address outlines the government’s legislative agenda and policy priorities for the upcoming session or year.
- Accountability and Transparency: By informing Parliament of the reasons for its summons, the President upholds principles of accountability and transparency in governance.
Understanding Article 87 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it highlights the President’s role in setting the agenda for parliamentary sessions and fostering dialogue between the executive and the legislature. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the functioning of India’s parliamentary democracy.