The relationship between the President and the Prime Minister of India is defined by the provisions of the Constitution as follows:
Article 74:
- Council of Ministers: There shall be a council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister to aid and advise the President in the exercise of their functions.
- President's Role: The President must act in accordance with the advice given by the council of ministers. However, the President may request the council of ministers to reconsider their advice, but the President must act according to the reconsidered advice provided by the council.
Article 75:
- Prime Minister's Appointment: The Prime Minister is appointed by the President.
- Other Ministers' Appointment: Other ministers are appointed by the President based on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- Tenure: Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President.
- Collective Responsibility: The council of ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
Article 78:
➤ Prime Minister's Duty: The Prime Minister is responsible for maintaining communication with the President regarding:
- Decisions of Council of Ministers: Communicating all decisions of the council of ministers related to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation.
- Information: Providing any information regarding the administration of the Union and proposals for legislation as the President may request.
- Reconsideration of Matters: If the President requests, the Prime Minister must submit for the council of ministers' reconsideration any matter on which a minister has made a decision without the council's consideration.
These provisions establish a clear framework for the working relationship between the President and the Prime Minister, emphasizing the advisory role of the council of ministers to the President and the collective responsibility of the council to the Lok Sabha.
