The Presidents of India holds a significant constitutional position as the head of state and the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. Despite being endowed with powers by the Constitution, the role is predominantly ceremonial, with executive authority effectively wielded by the Prime Minister.
Election Process and Tenure The president of India is elected by the Electoral College, comprising elected members of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and state legislative assemblies. Their tenure spans five years, as outlined in the Constitution. In instances of premature termination or absence, the Vice President assumes office temporarily, with parliamentary mechanisms in place for unforeseen contingencies.
Presidential Legacy Since India’s adoption of the Constitution in 1950, there have been 15 Presidents, with three acting incumbents serving briefly. Varahagiri Venkata Giri notably transitioned from Acting President to President. Rajendra Prasad holds the distinction of serving two terms. The majority of Presidents of India have had political affiliations, with the Indian National Congress and the Janata Party contributing members.
Presidential Dynamics Tragically, two presidents of India, Zakir Husain and Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, passed away while in office. Their Vice Presidents assumed acting roles until successors were elected. Pratibha Devisingh Patil made history as the first female President in 2007. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated on 25th July 2022, is the second female and the first tribal individual to hold the esteemed office.
List of presidents of India 1950-2024 :-
| S. No. | Name | Tenure | Time in Office | Home State | Birth–Death | Political Party | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rajendra Prasad | 1952–1957, 1957–1962 | 12 years, 107 days | Bihar | 1884–1963 | Indian National Congress | Rajendra Prasad served two terms as the President of India. Prior to his presidency, he played a pivotal role as the President of the Constituent Assembly. |
| 2 | Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | 1962–1967 | 5 years | Tamil Nadu | 1888–1975 | Independent | Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a distinguished philosopher, held the presidency and previously served as a renowned academic. |
| 3 | Zakir Hussain | 1967–1969 | 1 year, 355 days | Andhra Pradesh | 1897–1969 | Independent | Zakir Hussain, honored with Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna, had a short tenure, passing away while in office. |
| 4 | Varahagiri Venkata Giri | 1969, 1969–1974 | 5 years | Odisha | 1894–1980 | Independent | Varahagiri Venkata Giri, elected Vice President in 1967, assumed the presidency following Zakir Hussain’s death. |
| 5 | Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed | 1974–1977 | 2 years, 171 days | Delhi | 1905–1977 | Indian National Congress | Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed served during the Emergency period and became the second president to pass away in office. |
| 6 | Neelam Sanjiva Reddy | 1977–1982 | 5 years | Andhra Pradesh | 1913–1996 | Janata Party | Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, Andhra Pradesh’s first Chief Minister, was the youngest president and contested for the presidency twice. |
| 7 | Zail Singh | 1982–1987 | 5 years | Punjab | 1916–1994 | Indian National Congress | Zail Singh, a former Chief Minister of Punjab, also served as the Union Home Minister. |
| 8 | Ramaswamy Venkataraman | 1987–1992 | 5 years | Tamil Nadu | 1910–2009 | Indian National Congress | Ramaswamy Venkataraman, awarded “Tamra Patra” for his role in India’s freedom struggle, held the presidency during this time. |
| 9 | Shankar Dayal Sharma | 1992–1997 | 5 years | Madhya Pradesh | 1918–1999 | Indian National Congress | Shankar Dayal Sharma, previously Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, also served as the Minister for Communications. |
| 10 | Kocheril Raman Narayanan | 1997–2002 | 5 years | Kerala | 1920–2005 | Independent | Kocheril Raman Narayanan, an ambassador to various nations, held the presidency during this period. |
| 11 | Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam | 2002–2007 | 5 years | Tamil Nadu | 1931–2015 | Independent | Abdul Kalam played a significant role in India’s missile and nuclear programs and was honored with the Bharat Ratna. |
| 12 | Pratibha Patil | 2007–2012 | 5 years | Maharashtra | 1934– | Indian National Congress | Pratibha Patil made history as the first woman president of India during her tenure. |
| 13 | Pranab Mukherjee | 2012–2017 | 5 years | West Bengal | 1935–2020 | Indian National Congress | Pranab Mukherjee received accolades for his parliamentary work and contributions, including the Padma Vibhushan. |
| 14 | Ram Nath Kovind | 2017–2022 | 5 years | Uttar Pradesh | 1945– | Bharatiya Janata Party | Ram Nath Kovind, previously the Governor of Bihar, served his term representing the Bharatiya Janata Party. |
| 15 | Draupadi Murmu | 2022–Present | 1 year, 215 days | Odisha | 1958– | Draupadi Murmu, previously serving as the governor of Jharkhand, assumed office as the President of India in 2022. |
Qualifications required to become the President of India :-
- Indian Citizenship: The candidate must be a citizen of India to become President of India.
- Age Requirement: The candidate must be at least 35 years old.
- Eligibility for Lok Sabha Membership: The candidate must meet the qualifications required to be elected as a member of the Lok Sabha (House of the People), which includes being a registered voter and meeting certain criteria such as age and citizenship as outlined in the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- Not Holding Office of Profit: The candidate should not hold any office of profit under the central government, state government, or any public authority. Holding an office of profit refers to holding any position that yields some sort of financial benefit, salary, or perks.
These qualifications ensure that the President of India is a citizen with significant experience and standing in public life, capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the highest office in the country.
Impeachment process of the President of India :-
The impeachment process of the President of India is a significant constitutional mechanism aimed at ensuring the accountability and integrity of the highest office in the country. Here are some key points about the impeachment process:
- Constitutional Provision: Article 61 of the Indian Constitution outlines the procedure for the impeachment of the President. It states that the President of India can be impeached on the grounds of violation of the Constitution or any other law.
- Initiation: The process of impeachment can be initiated in either house of Parliament. A notice of motion for impeachment signed by not less than one-fourth of the total number of members of the house needs to be given.
- Investigation: After the notice of motion is presented, an investigation committee is formed to look into the charges against the President of India. This committee consists of members from both houses of Parliament.
- Resolution: Following the investigation, if the committee finds the charges substantiated, a resolution for impeachment is moved. This resolution needs to be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the total membership of the house where it is moved.
- Other Provisions: During the process of impeachment, the President of India has the right to defend themselves, either in person or through a legal representative.
- Role of the Other House: If the resolution for impeachment is adopted by one house, it is then transmitted to the other house. If that house also passes the resolution by a two-thirds majority, the President of India stands impeached from the office.
- Removal from Office: Once impeached, the President of India ceases to hold office from the date on which the resolution is so passed.
- Judicial Review: The decision of Parliament in the impeachment process is subject to judicial review by the Supreme Court.
The impeachment process of the President of India is a solemn and rarely invoked procedure, designed to uphold the principles of accountability and constitutional integrity in the highest echelons of government.
Conclusion :-
The Presidency in India embodies a blend of ceremonial eminence and constitutional significance. While the Presidents of India symbolizes the nation’s unity and integrity, executive authority is predominantly vested in the Prime Minister. The institution’s evolution reflects India’s democratic journey and commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The Presidency of India holds immense significance, representing the pinnacle of executive authority and the embodiment of democratic principles. The Presidents of India, from Dr. Rajendra Prasad to the present incumbent, have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s trajectory, fostering development, and upholding constitutional values.
Their leadership, both domestically and internationally, has been instrumental in promoting unity, progress, and diplomacy. As custodians of India’s rich heritage and democratic ethos, the Presidents of India continue to inspire generations, guiding the nation towards a brighter future anchored in democracy, inclusivity, and progress.