Powers and functions of the President of India

The President of India, as the head of state, holds both formal and ceremonial powers, including appointing key officials, summoning/proroguing Parliament, and granting pardons, while the Prime Minister is the head of government and holds the real executive power. 

Executive Powers:

1. Formal Head:

The President is the formal head of the executive branch, with all executive actions taken in their name. 

2. Appointment of Key Officials:

The President appoints the Prime Minister, other ministers, Governors of States, the Attorney General of India, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the Chief Election Commissioner, and other Election Commissioners, among others. 

3. Information and Advice:

The President can seek information from the Prime Minister on the administration of affairs and proposals for legislation, and can require the Prime Minister to submit matters for consideration by the Council of Ministers. 

4. Supreme Commander:

The President is the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces, and can declare war or conclude peace on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers. 

5. Ordinances:

The President can promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session, which have the force of law for a limited period. 

6. Emergency Powers:

The President can declare a national emergency (Article 352), state emergency (Article 356), or financial emergency (Article 360) based on the advice of the Council of Ministers. 

Legislative Powers:

1. Parliamentary Sessions:

The President summons and prorogues Parliament, and dissolves the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister. 

2. Bill Assent:

The President gives assent to bills passed by both Houses of Parliament for them to become laws. 

3. Nomination:

The President can nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). 

4. Financial Matters:

The President makes recommendations for introducing financial and money bills in Parliament. 

Judicial Powers:

1. Pardons and Reprieves:

The President has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment, or to suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offense.

2. Supreme Court Advice:

The President can seek the advice of the Supreme Court on matters of law or constitutional importance.