Consider the following statements about the powers of the President of India : 1. The President can direct that any matter on which decision has been taken by a Minister should be placed before the Council of Ministers. 2. The President can call all information relating to proposals for legislation. 3. The President has the right to address and send messages to either House of the Parliament. 4. All decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the adminis- tration of the Union must be communicated to the President. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

All four statements accurately reflect the constitutional powers of the President of India. Under Article 78, it is the duty of the Prime Minister to communicate all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the Union and proposals for legislation to the President [2]. This article also empowers the President to call for information regarding such administration and legislative proposals [1]. Furthermore, if the President so requires, the Prime Minister must submit for the consideration of the Council of Ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a Minister but which has not been considered by the Council [2]. Additionally, Article 86 grants the President the right to address either House of Parliament (or both assembled together) and to send messages to either House regarding pending bills or other matters. Thus, all statements are constitutionally valid.

Sources

1. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 78-Duties of Prime Minister > p. 214
2. [2] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 78-Duties of Prime Minister > p. 214