The President of India, as the head of state, holds an esteemed and authoritative position in the country’s governance. However, in practice, the President’s powers are mostly symbolic or limited due to the structure of India’s parliamentary democracy. This scenario can indeed be likened to an elderly figure in a family, respected and revered, but often unable to take direct action without the support of the “young members”—in this case, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.

Constitutional Powers of the President

• Executive Powers: The President is the supreme commander of the armed forces, appoints the Prime Minister, and has the power to call or dissolve the Parliament. However, these powers are largely exercised based on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, per Article 74 of the Constitution​
• Legislative Powers: The President has the power to summon and prorogue Parliament sessions, give assent to bills, and can issue ordinances when Parliament is not in session. But, in most cases, these legislative actions are guided by the government’s decisions.
• Judicial Powers: The President has certain judicial powers, such as granting pardons. Even here, these decisions often rely on recommendations from the relevant departments.

Limitations of the President’s Role

• Bound by Advice: The Constitution mandates that the President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers. Although the President may request reconsideration, once the Council reaffirms its advice, the President is constitutionally bound to follow it. This can limit independent decision-making.
• Ceremonial Role: Many functions performed by the President are ceremonial, such as representing India at foreign events or hosting dignitaries. This symbolic role is crucial for the unity of the state but does not entail direct political power.

Instances of Assertive Presidential Actions

While generally bound by ministerial advice, some Presidents have exercised their discretion under exceptional circumstances:

• Refusal to Sign Ordinances: Presidents like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam have questioned certain ordinances, asking for reconsideration by the government. While the President ultimately cannot reject the bill if re-presented, this step can influence governmental reconsideration.
• Role in Government Formation: When no party has a clear majority, the President can exercise discretion in inviting a leader to form the government, as seen during various coalition governments in India. This allows the President some level of influence, albeit temporary.

Comparison to a Family Elder

In many ways, the President’s role resembles an elder in a family:

• Authority with Limitations: Just as an elder may have authority but lacks direct control over young members, the President’s powers are significant in theory but are largely advisory or ceremonial in practice.
• Respect and Symbolic Power: The President is a figure of respect and national unity, much like a respected elder who holds a family together symbolically, even if not actively involved in daily decisions.
• Ability to Influence but Not Control: Like an elder who can advise but cannot enforce, the President can suggest or question government actions but cannot overrule the decisions of the Prime Minister and ministers.