How does the parliament of India ensure the accountability of the executive?
Article 361 of the Indian Constitution provides certain immunities to the President and Governors of States. According to this article: Immunity from Court Proceedings: The President and Governors are not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of their offiRead more
Article 361 of the Indian Constitution provides certain immunities to the President and Governors of States. According to this article:
- Immunity from Court Proceedings: The President and Governors are not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of their office or for any act done or purported to be done by them in the exercise and performance of those powers and duties.
- Criminal Proceedings: No criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the President or a Governor during their term of office.
- Arrest or Imprisonment: The President or a Governor shall not be arrested or imprisoned during their term of office.
- Civil Proceedings: No process for the arrest or imprisonment of the President or a Governor shall be issued from any court during their term of office.
However, this immunity does not mean that the President or Governors are above the law entirely. It means that they cannot be prosecuted or arrested while they are in office. If there are allegations of heinous crimes such as rape, molestation or corruption,they can be investigated.
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The Parliament of India ensures accountability of the executive through various mechanisms aimed at enhancing transparency and oversight. First of all, the executive is headed by the Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers, who are responsible to the Lok Sabha, Parliament's Lower House. These shRead more
The Parliament of India ensures accountability of the executive through various mechanisms aimed at enhancing transparency and oversight. First of all, the executive is headed by the Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers, who are responsible to the Lok Sabha, Parliament’s Lower House. These shall, in turn, be enforced through a number of parliamentary procedures and practices. They can question ministers during the Question Hour, seek clarifications, and hold debates on various burning issues. It has also developed methods through its several committees, like the Public Accounts Committee and the Estimates Committee, whereby the Parliament dissects executive actions, in particular their expenditure and policy, and criticizes them when required. The Parliament can pass or may reject legislation introduced by the executive; thus, this will ensure that policies reflect legislative intent. No-confidence motion against the government can only be brought in to the Lok Sabha, and upon the passage, it can force the Prime Minister and the entire Council of Ministers to resign. In aggregate, all these processes ensure that the executive remains answerable to the elected representatives and, by extension, to the people of India.
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