Indian Polity and Governance

The Finance Commission's recommendations are generally accepted as a matter of constitutional convention, though not legally binding on the President. The President refers the Commission's recommendations to Parliament for consideration, and they are typically accepted.

The Governor of a state is not completely free to act on their own discretion in all matters. According to the Indian Constitution, the Governor acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in certain discretionary areas where they can exercise their judgment.

The Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is appointed by the President of India under Article 316 of the Constitution. The UPSC is a constitutional body responsible for recruiting civil servants. The Chief Minister and Governor do not have authority over UPSC appointments, maintaining the commission's independence. An IAS officer is below the UPSC Chairman in administrative hierarchy.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is a constitutional authority established under Article 148. The CAG is appointed by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal and can only be removed from office in like manner and on like ground as a Judge of the Supreme Court.

The President can only be removed through impeachment under Article 61 of the Constitution. The process requires a formal charge (signed by at least 1/4th of Lok Sabha members), investigation by a 2-member committee, and then a 2/3rds majority in both Houses of Parliament.

According to Article 75, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President, but by convention, the President appoints the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha as PM. This ensures the government has the confidence of the lower house.

Under Article 71 of the Indian Constitution, all doubts and disputes arising out of the election of the President or Vice-President are decided by the Supreme Court of India, whose decision is final. The Election Commission conducts the election but does not decide disputes. The President and Parliament have no role in adjudicating such electoral disputes.

Under Article 143 of the Indian Constitution, the Supreme Court has advisory jurisdiction but only when the President specifically seeks its advice on questions of law or fact. The Court cannot tender advice suo motu (on its own). The advice is not binding on the President.

Supreme Court acts as the guardian of the Constitution.

The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), not appointed by the President. The President appoints the Chief Justice, Governors, and Attorney General, but the VP must be elected according to Article 67 of the Constitution.

The first Emergency on grounds of internal disturbance was proclaimed in June 1975 by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed on the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This followed the Allahabad High Court judgment setting aside Indira Gandhi's election, and is often referred to as the darkest period in Indian democracy.

The Secretary General of Lok Sabha is appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha, with the approval of the President. The Secretary General is the administrative head of the Lok Sabha Secretariat and advises the Speaker on procedural matters. The Speaker has the authority to appoint officers and staff of the Secretariat.

The Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly has the constitutional authority to certify whether a bill is a money bill under Article 207 of the Indian Constitution. This is similar to the Lok Sabha Speaker's role at the central level. The Governor and Finance Minister have no role in this certification process.

The Vice-President of India is elected by members of both Houses of Parliament - Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. This includes both elected and nominated members. The election is conducted using proportional representation through single transferable vote. This is different from the President's election which also includes state legislative assemblies.

According to Article 56 of the Indian Constitution, if the President wishes to resign, they must address their resignation letter to the Vice-President of India. This provision ensures proper documentation and continuity in the constitutional office. The Vice-President then notifies the resignation to the Speaker of Lok Sabha.