Under which Article of the Constitution of India can the President of India be impeached for violation of the Constitution?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Article 61

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The President of India is the head of the State and occupies a high constitutional position. However, the President is not above the Constitution and can be removed from office through a special process if found guilty of violation of the Constitution. This process is known as impeachment. The question asks you to identify the specific Article that lays down the procedure for impeachment of the President.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The focus is on the impeachment of the President of India.
  • We are asked under which Article this process is described.
  • Options include various articles dealing with different subjects.
  • We assume familiarity with the structure of provisions related to the President.


Concept / Approach:
Article 61 of the Constitution of India deals specifically with the procedure for impeachment of the President. It states that the President can be impeached for violation of the Constitution and describes how a resolution must be moved in either House of Parliament, supported by a specified number of members, investigated, and then passed by a special majority in both Houses. Other articles listed in the options relate to Directive Principles, the Attorney General, President's rule in states, or the Council of Ministers, not impeachment.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Articles around 52 to 62 generally deal with the President, including election, qualifications, and removal. Step 2: Identify that Article 61 is the one that explicitly mentions impeachment and violation of the Constitution. Step 3: Match Article 61 with the options given. Step 4: Select Article 61 as the correct answer and rule out the other Articles that have different subjects.


Verification / Alternative check:
A reading of the bare text of Article 61 shows the heading Procedure for impeachment of the President. It explains in detail how a charge against the President can be preferred and investigated and what majority is required for the resolution to be passed. None of the other articles mentioned share this heading or content, which makes Article 61 the only correct answer to the question.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Article 39: This is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy and deals with certain social and economic goals, not impeachment. Article 76: This defines the office of the Attorney General for India. Article 356: This deals with President's rule in states during failure of constitutional machinery. Article 74: It concerns the Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President. None of these refer to impeachment of the President.



Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse Article numbers within the same general range, especially those related to the President, Council of Ministers, and emergencies. Another pitfall is to mix up impeachment of the President with removal of other high offices such as judges of the Supreme Court, which follow different articles and procedures. Making a small chart of key articles, such as Article 61 for presidential impeachment, helps in quick recall during exams.



Final Answer:
Article 61

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