Indian Polity and Governance

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over its meetings and maintains order during proceedings. The Vice-President presides over Rajya Sabha, while the President addresses both Houses but does not preside over routine Lok Sabha meetings.

Article 54 of the Constitution specifies that the President is elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of State Legislative Assemblies. Nominated members and members of Legislative Councils (where they exist) do not vote.

Under Article 156, a Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President, meaning the President can remove a Governor from office at any time without assigning reasons. This is different from state legislators who can only be removed through specific constitutional processes like no-confidence motions.

The Planning Commission was set up by the order of prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

The method of proportional representation is adopted in the election of the President of India. The President is elected by an Electoral College comprising elected members of both Houses of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies, using proportional representation through the single transferable vote system. This ensures weightage to each elected member's vote.

The Attorney General of India is the Chief Law Officer, appointed under Article 76(1) of the Constitution. The AG advises the Government of India on legal matters and represents it in courts. The Advocate General is the state equivalent, the Solicitor General is the AG's assistant, and the Law Secretary is an administrative position.

According to Article 108 of the Indian Constitution, a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament is summoned by the President to resolve deadlocks on bills. However, the sitting is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, not the President. This is because the Lok Sabha has 543 members compared to 245 in the Rajya Sabha, making the Speaker's role appropriate for presiding.

Article 331 of the Indian Constitution previously allowed the President to nominate two members to the Lok Sabha from the Anglo-Indian community. This provision was designed to give representation to this community. Note: This provision was removed by the 104th Constitutional Amendment in 2019.

The Speaker of Lok Sabha presides over joint sessions of Parliament, as per Article 118 of the Constitution. The Vice-President presides over Rajya Sabha, while the President addresses joint sessions but does not preside. There is no rotation system.

Article 355 of the Indian Constitution mandates that it is the duty of the Union to protect every state against external aggression and internal disturbances. This article empowers the central government to take necessary measures to ensure state governments are carried out in accordance with the Constitution. Article 370 dealt with Jammu and Kashmir's special status, while Articles 356 and 362 relate to President's Rule and emergency provisions.

The President of India addresses both Houses of Parliament assembled together in a joint sitting. This typically happens at the beginning of the first session after each general election. The Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha, the Speaker presides over Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice heads the judiciary.

The Attorney General appears on behalf of Government of India in all cases (including suits, appeals and other proceedings) in the Supreme Court in which Government of India is concerned.

 The Kothari Commission recommended education and productivity, social and national integration and social, moral and spiritual values.

According to Article 179 of the Indian Constitution, if the Speaker of a State Legislative Assembly wishes to resign, the resignation must be submitted to the Deputy Speaker. This ensures continuity in the legislative leadership. The Chief Justice, Chief Minister, and Finance Minister have no constitutional role in accepting the Speaker's resignation.

Article 65 of the Indian Constitution provides that when both offices of President and Vice President are vacant, the Chief Justice of India (or the senior-most Supreme Court judge available) discharges their functions. This ensures constitutional continuity during dual vacancies.