Laxmikanth Test: The President-1 for UPSC Indian Polity - Free MCQs

The correct answer is D: 3 only.
 

Under the Indian Constitution, the President must act on the advice of the Council of Ministers (Article 74), which includes the Prime Minister. This limits the President’s discretion in executive matters, including the imposition of President’s Rule under Article 356.

Let’s evaluate each option:

1. ❌ Tell the Prime Minister that he will not sign an order promulgating President's rule.
This is not a viable option. The President cannot outright refuse to sign an order for President's rule, as they are constitutionally obligated to act on the advice of the Council of Ministers. While the President may seek clarification or delay briefly (as seen in cases like President K.R. Narayanan’s actions), an outright refusal is beyond their authority. Thus, this option is incorrect.

2. ❌ Make a press statement about how the Prime Minister is wrong.
The President is the head of the state and acts as a neutral and non-partisan figure. Making a public statement against the Prime Minister might be seen as interfering in the political affairs of the country, which goes against the President's constitutional role.

3. ✅ Discuss the matter with the Prime Minister and dissuade him from taking this action, but if he insists, agree to sign the said order.
This is the most appropriate course of action for the President. The President can discuss the concerns and objections with the Prime Minister, highlighting the need for alternative measures to address the atrocities against Dalits effectively. The President can try to persuade the Prime Minister to reconsider the imposition of President's rule and explore other options. However, if the Prime Minister insists on the imposition of President's rule, the President has a constitutional obligation to act on the advice of the Council of Ministers and sign the order.

It is important to note that the President's role in the imposition of President's rule is limited to following the advice of the Council of Ministers, and the President should act in the best interest of the nation, considering the constitutional provisions and the advice given by the Prime Minister.

1. ✅ The governor can reserve certain types of bills passed by the state legislature for the President's consideration:
   This statement is true. The governor of a state has the power to reserve certain bills passed by the state legislature for the consideration of the President. According to Article 200 of the Indian Constitution, the governor can withhold assent to a bill and refer it to the President if the bill:

   • Is against the Constitution,

   • Opposes the Directive Principles of State Policy,

   • Affects the High Court’s powers, or

   • Deals with matters requiring the President’s approval as per the Constitution.

2. ✅ “Bills imposing restrictions on trade, commerce and intercourse under Article 304(b) require the President’s previous sanction.
   This statement is also true. According to the Constitution of India, states have the power to make laws on subjects in the State List. However, for certain matters, the President’s prior sanction is required before introducing such a bill.

   • Example: Under Article 304(b), a bill imposing restrictions on trade, commerce, and intercourse in the public interest requires the President’s prior approval before being introduced in the state legislature.

   • Similar provisions apply to bills that may conflict with Union laws or require national-level consideration.

3. ✅ The President can direct the states to reserve money bills and other financial bills passed by the state legislature for his consideration during a financial emergency:
   This statement is true as well. Under Article 360, when a financial emergency is declared, the President can direct states to reserve all money bills and other financial bills passed by the state legislature for his consideration. This allows the President to review and approve these bills before they become law, ensuring financial stability and control over state finances.

Therefore, all three statements are correct, and the correct answer is option D: 1, 2, and 3.

✅ Executive Authority: Responsible for the appointment of the Prime Minister.

• Under Article 75(1), the President (executive head) appoints the Prime Minister. This falls under executive authority.

✅ Legislative Authority: Has the power to summon and prorogue Parliament.

• Under Article 85, the President (as part of the Legislature) has the power to summon, prorogue, and even dissolve the Lok Sabha. Though an executive act in form, it is a legislative function.

✅ Financial Authority: Manages the presentation of the annual financial statement, also known as the Union Budget.

• Article 112 provides for the Annual Financial Statement (Union Budget), which is laid before Parliament in the name of the President, reflecting a financial function of the Union government.

✅ Judicial Authority: Holds the authority to grant pardons.

• Under Article 72, the President has the power to grant pardon, reprieve, respite, or remission, especially in cases involving death sentences or court-martial. This is a judicial power vested in the executive.

All four pairs are correctly matched, so the correct answer is All four pairs.

Article 72 vests in the President the power to grant pardon, reprieve, respite, remission and to commute sentences, including in court-martial cases.

Article 161 vests in the Governor similar clemency powers - pardon, reprieve, respite, remission and commutation - but not in respect of court-martial cases.

Each of options A, B and C refers specifically to powers in court-martial cases, which the Governor cannot exercise. Hence none of A-C can be exercised by both the President and the Governor, so option D is correct.

The correct answer is Option C - Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect

Article 123 authorises the President to promulgate Ordinances when he is satisfied that circumstances render immediate action necessary; the constitutional phrase "except when both Houses of Parliament are in session" is the governing textual limit.

Logically, the phrase "except when both Houses of Parliament are in session" means the power can be exercised when at least one House is not in session, so the first statement is correct.

• Temporal and procedural limits: Every Ordinance must be laid before both Houses of Parliament when they reassemble and it ceases to operate if not approved within six weeks of reassembly.
• Constitutional limits: Ordinarily an Ordinance must conform to the Constitution and is amenable to judicial review.
• Not a substitute for legislation: The power is for temporary emergency action and cannot be used to bypass Parliament permanently; Parliament must ultimately decide on the measure.

Because of these clear limits, the second statement is incorrect.

Important Points 
Article 53: Executive Power of the Union

1. The executive power of the Union shall be vested in the President and shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with this Constitution.
2. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision, the supreme command of the Defence Forces of the Union Shall be vested in the President and the exercise thereof shall be regulated by law.
3. Nothing in this article shall –

• be deemed to transfer to the President any functions conferred by any existing law on the Government of any State or other authority; or
• prevent Parliament from conferring by law functions on authorities other than the President.

Thus, we can conclude that under Article 53 of the Constitution of India, the executive power of the union is vested in the President.

Additional Information

• Article 54: Election of President
• Article 55: Manner of Election of President
• Article 56: Term of Office of President

❌ Statement I is incorrect as the President in India does not hold powers similar to the President of the United States but rather has a ceremonial role.

✅ Statement II correctly explains that the real executive power lies with the council of ministers, not with the President, aligning with the information provided.

1. ❌ The President can exercise this power even without the advice of the cabinet: This is incorrect. While the President has the power to grant pardons, this power is typically exercised on the advice of the Union Cabinet, as per the provisions of the Constitution (Article 72). The President is bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers and does not act independently

2. ✅ The President is not bound to give reasons for his order: This is correct. The President is not required to give reasons for exercising the pardoning power, and there is no legal requirement to do so.

3. ✅ The petitioner for mercy has no right to an oral hearing by the President: This is correct. There is no provision in the Constitution that mandates an oral hearing for the petitioner. The mercy petition is decided based on the written representation.

Therefore, the correct answer is b) 2 and 3 only.

 President of India: The President of India is the ceremonial head of state and the constitutional head of the executive branch of the Indian government. 

• The President is the constitutional Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces (Art. 53 read with relevant service laws).
• The President's role as the Supreme Commander includes appointing the chiefs of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.
• The appointment of chiefs is made based on the recommendations of the Union Minister of Defence and the Prime Minister.

1.✅ Appointment of Inter-State Council: According to Article 263 the President of India has the authority to establish an inter-state council. This council is designed to facilitate cooperation between the central government and the state governments, as well as among the states themselves. This power is essential for addressing issues related to the distribution of powers and responsibilities among various levels of government.

2.✅ Administration of Union Territories:  As per to Article 239 the President directly oversees the administration of union territories. This is accomplished through administrators who are appointed by the President. Union territories, unlike states, are directly governed by the central government, with the President playing a crucial role in their administration.

3.✅ Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas: The President indeed has the power to declare areas as Scheduled Areas as per the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. These areas are typically those where tribal populations are predominant, and the schedule provides for the administration and control of these areas, allowing the President to make regulations for peace and good governance.

Therefore, Correct Answer : Option D

The Correct Answer is D : 1,2 and 3

All the given statements about the administrative setup of the Government of India are correct. Here is a detailed explanation:
1. ✅ The President's Ministries/Departments are created by the President on the Prime Minister's advice:

• This statement is correct. The President of India, on the advice of the Prime Minister, can create new ministries or departments.
• The President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. This is as per Article 77 of the Constitution of India.

2. ✅ Each of the Ministries is assigned to a Minister by the President on the Prime Minister's advice:

• This statement is also correct. The President, on the advice of the Prime Minister, assigns each ministry to a particular minister.
• This is as per Article 74 & 77 of the Constitution, which stipulates that it is the duty of the Prime Minister to communicate to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation.

3. ✅ The rules for the Government of India's allocation of business are made by the President:

• This statement is correct. The President makes the rules for the allocation of business of the Government of India. This is as per the Allocation of Business Rules, 1961.
• These rules are made by the President under Article 77(3) of the Constitution. They provide the framework for the governance of India and specify the businesses to be allocated to the various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India.

Hence, option D is the correct answer, which includes all the three statements.

The Correct Option is A:- 1 only 
✅ Governor:

• The Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President as per the Constitution of India. This means that the Governor can remain in office as long as the President of India desires. The Governor can be removed by the President at any time, without any notice or reason.

❌ Chief Election Commissioner (CEC):

• The Chief Election Commissioner doesn't hold office during the pleasure of the President. The CEC has a fixed tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. He can be removed from his office before the expiry of his term only on the recommendation of the Parliament with a two-thirds majority in both houses, on the grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity.

❌ Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG):

• The Comptroller and Auditor General of India also doesn't hold office during the pleasure of the President. The CAG has a tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. Similar to the CEC, the CAG can be removed from office only by an order of the President on the grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity after an address by both Houses of Parliament.

So, among the given options, only the Governor holds the office during the pleasure of the President. Hence, the correct answer is A: 1 only.

The correct answer is Option C - 2 and 3 Only

• Statement 1 is incorrect. Article 358 suspends the operation of the rights guaranteed by Article 19 during a proclaimed national emergency; suspension of enforcement of other fundamental rights requires a separate presidential order under Article 359. Hence, all fundamental rights are not automatically suspended simply by a national emergency.

• Statement 2 is correct. Article 356 authorises the imposition of President's Rule when the President is satisfied that the constitutional machinery in a State has failed; this power is normally exercised on the report of the Governor or on other grounds of satisfaction.

• Statement 3 is correct. Article 360 allows the President to proclaim a financial emergency and to issue directions, including the reduction of salaries and allowances of all or any class of persons serving the Union or a State; such directions may therefore be made during a financial emergency.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct; Statement 1 is not.

✅Statement 1 is correct : According to Article 61 of the Indian Constitution, the President can be impeached for "violation of the Constitution." This is the specific ground mentioned for impeachment.

✅Statement 2 is correct : The impeachment process requires a two-thirds majority of the total membership of each House of Parliament, not just those present and voting. This requirement ensures that the decision to remove the President has substantial support.

❌Statement 3 is incorrect : For impeachment charges to be leveled against the President, they must be signed by at least one-fourth of the total number of members of the House where the motion is introduced. The constitution does not require half the members to sign the charges.

Therefore Correct Answer : Option B

• If an individual ministry has taken the decision, which has not been considered by the cabinet, the president can send the reconsideration file.

• The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 (enacted by the Indira Gandhi Government) made the President bound by the council's advice of ministers headed by the prime minister.

• The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1978 (enacted by the Janata Party Government headed by Shri Morarji Desai) authorised the President to require ministers' council to reconsider such advice either generally or otherwise.

• However, he 'shall' act following the advice tendered after such reconsideration. In other words, the President may return a matter once for reconsideration of his ministers, but the reconsidered advice shall be binding.

• The president can also ask for the files and ask details about the decisions that are to be taken in the council of ministers. However, he cannot suspend it if it enjoys confidence in the Lok Sabha.

The bills that can be tabled on the floor of the parliament only after the recommendation of the President of India include:

1. ✅ Money Bills

• Money bills are bills that deal with matters related to taxation, borrowing of money by the government, expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India, etc.
• As per Article 110 of the Indian Constitution, a bill is classified as a money bill if it contains only provisions related to these money matters.
• - A money bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) and not in the Rajya Sabha (upper house).
• Before a money bill is presented in the Lok Sabha, the President's recommendation is required.

2. ✅ Financial Bills

• Financial bills are bills that deal with matters related to the financial obligations of the government, such as the appropriation of money from the Consolidated Fund, custodianship of the Consolidated Fund, etc.
• There are two types of financial bills: a) Financial Bills I, and b) Financial Bills II.
• Similar to money bills, the President's recommendation is required before introducing a financial bill in the Lok Sabha.

3. ✅ Ordinary Bill under Article 3

• An ordinary bill under Article 3 refers to a bill that seeks to change the boundaries or names of existing states or to create new states.
• As per Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, such a bill can only be introduced in the Parliament with the President's recommendation.

4. ❌ Constitutional Amendment Bills

• Constitutional amendment bills are bills that seek to amend the provisions of the Indian Constitution.
• These bills can be introduced in either house of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) and require a special majority for their approval.
• Unlike money bills, financial bills, and ordinary bills under Article 3, constitutional amendment bills do not require the President's recommendation.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option A: Only 1, 2 & 3.

✅ Pair 1 (Correct) : The appointment of the Prime Minister is indeed a function of the executive authority, specifically the President of India, who appoints the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha or a person who can win the confidence of the majority in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister.

✅ Pair 2 (Correct): The President, representing the executive branch, does have the authority to send messages to either House of Parliament regarding pending bills or even to call for a joint sitting of both Houses on certain legislative issues, as stipulated under Articles 86 and 108 of the Constitution.

✅ Pair 3 (Correct): The introduction of money bills in the Lok Sabha requires the prior recommendation of the President, as per Article 117 of the Constitution. This is a critical component of the financial powers and responsibilities associated with the executive.

❌Pair 4 (Incorrect): The appointment of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India is an executive function, performed by the President of India, as per Article 148 of the Constitution. It is not a judicial function.

Therefoe Correct Answer : Option C

Role of the President in the Parliament
❌Option A : Constitutional Right to Attend Parliament's Meetings 
The President of India does not have a constitutional right to attend the Parliament's meetings. While the President is an integral part of the Parliament, they are not required to attend its meetings. The President's presence is usually reserved for important occasions such as the opening and closing sessions of Parliament.
❌Option C : Constitutional Authority to Both Constitute and Dissolve Parliament 
The President of India does have the constitutional authority to dissolve the Parliament, but they do not have the authority to constitute it. The Parliament is constituted through the general elections held in the country, and the President's role is limited to summoning and proroguing the sessions of Parliament.
❌Option D :Head of the Executive Branch of the Government in our Parliamentary Democracy 
While it is true that the President of India is the head of the executive branch of the government in our parliamentary democracy, this alone does not make the President an integral part of the Parliament.
✅Option B :Bill Cannot Become Law Without the President's Assent
The most significant reason for the President of India being an integral part of the Parliament is that a bill passed by both the Houses of Parliament cannot become law without the President's assent. Once a bill is passed by both the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) of Parliament, it is sent to the President for their assent.

The President has the power to either give their assent to the bill, in which case it becomes law, or withhold their assent, in which case the bill does not become law. This power of the President acts as a check and balance on the legislative process, ensuring that the laws enacted by the Parliament are in line with the interests of the nation as a whole.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer as it accurately describes the reason why the President of India is an integral part of the Parliament.

Discretionary Powers of the President
The President of a country holds certain discretionary powers that allow them to exercise their judgment and take independent actions in specific situations. In the case of India, the President has discretionary powers in various scenarios. Let's discuss each of the situations mentioned in the question:
1. ✅ Asking the Council of Ministers to reconsider the advice tendered to him:

• The President can exercise discretionary powers by seeking reconsideration of the advice given by the Council of Ministers.
• This power enables the President to review and reassess the recommendations and decisions put forward by the Council of Ministers before giving his final assent or taking any action.
•  By doing so, the President can ensure that the advice given is in the best interest of the nation and aligns with the constitutional provisions.

2. ✅Pocket veto in case of Parliamentary legislation:

• The President can utilize a pocket veto when it comes to parliamentary legislation.
• A pocket veto is a power that allows the President to indirectly veto a bill by not giving his assent within a specified time frame.
•  If the President does not take any action on a bill passed by Parliament within a particular period, it is considered as a pocket veto.
• Through this discretionary power, the President can effectively prevent the enactment of a bill if he deems it necessary.

3. ✅ Appointing the Prime Minister when no political party can prove a clear majority:

•  In situations where no political party can demonstrate a clear majority in the Parliament, the President exercises discretionary powers in appointing the Prime Minister.
• The President weighs various factors, including the support extended by different political parties, the ability to form a stable government, and the overall political landscape, while making this decision.
• By exercising this power, the President plays a crucial role in ensuring the formation of a government that can effectively govern and maintain stability.

Therefore, Correct Answer :Option D

The correct answer is Option A - 1 and 2

The first statement is correct: the appointment of judges of the Supreme Court is made by the President under Article 124(2) of the Constitution; this is a constitutional appointment power exercised by the President in accordance with the prescribed consultative and advice procedures.

The second statement is correct: the President possesses clemency powers under Article 72, which include pardon, commutation, remission, reprieve and respite; these powers cover mercy petitions such as those seeking pardon of a death sentence.

The third statement is not a presidential judicial power; matters about sending a bill back for reconsideration in the context of state legislation fall within legislative or gubernatorial domains rather than the President's judicial functions.

Hence, only the first and second statements are judicial powers of the President, making Option A the correct choice.

The Nomination of Members to the Rajya Sabha by the President
The President of India has the authority to nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India. This is stipulated in Article 80 of the Indian Constitution. The rationale behind this provision is to ensure that the Rajya Sabha represents a wide array of talent and expertise, which might not be present among the members who are elected through the regular political process.
These nominated members are chosen from the following categories:
People with special knowledge or practical experience in art, literature, science, and social service.

• This is the correct category according to the Indian Constitution. It allows for the representation of practitioners and scholars in these fields who have made significant contributions to their respective disciplines.
• This ensures that their expertise and experience can be used for the benefit of the nation. The National Integration Council does not have a role in recommending members for nomination to the Rajya Sabha.
• Therefore, option A is incorrect. People who have contributed immensely to Indian politics are typically part of the political process and get elected through the regular electoral process. They are not specifically mentioned in the Constitution as a category for presidential nomination to the Rajya Sabha.
• Therefore, option C is incorrect. Eminent political scientists who have never contested an election could potentially fall under the category of 'science'. However, they are not specifically mentioned in the Constitution as a separate category for presidential nomination to the Rajya Sabha. Therefore, option D is incorrect.

In conclusion, the President of India nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha from among people who have special knowledge or practical experience in the fields of art, literature, science, and social service, as per the Indian Constitution. This ensures that the Rajya Sabha benefits from a diverse range of expertise and experience.

Roles of the President concerning the sessions of the Parliament:
The President of India has several significant roles and powers when it comes to the functioning of the Parliament of India. Here are the roles corresponding to the options mentioned:

• ✅Summoning: The President has the power to summon each House of Parliament to meet. This means that the President can call for a new session of the Parliament. This is done at such time and place as he thinks fit. Normally, there are three sessions of Parliament in a year: the Budget session, the Monsoon session, and the Winter session.
• ✅Proroguing: The President can prorogue the Houses of Parliament. This means that the President can end a session of the Parliament. However, it must be noted that prorogation does not affect the bills, resolutions, motions, etc., pending before the House, which can be resumed in the next session from the stage at which they were left before prorogation.
• ✅Dissolving Lok Sabha: The President has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha. This means that the President can end the tenure of the Lok Sabha before its term of five years. However, the President can dissolve Lok Sabha only on the advice of the Prime Minister. Once the Lok Sabha is dissolved, all business including bills, motions, resolutions, etc., pending before it or its committees lapse.

So, all the above-mentioned roles - summoning, proroguing, and dissolving the Lok Sabha are performed by the President concerning the sessions of the Parliament. Hence, the correct answer is D: All of the above.

• ✅Statement 1 is correct. The President of India, as the supreme commander of the defense forces, can declare war or peace, but only with the approval of Parliament.
• ❌Statement 2 is incorrect. The President of India serves a term of five years, not six, from the date of assuming office.
• ✅Statement 3 is correct. The President can continue in office until the successor takes over and is eligible for re-election for multiple terms.

Therefore Correct Answer : Option C

The correct answer is B: 2 only.
1. ❌ An ordinance made when both the Houses are in session is valid if approved by the Council of Ministers and Parliament.

• This statement is incorrect. According to Article 123 of the Constitution, the President can promulgate an ordinance only when both Houses of Parliament are not in session.
• It is a temporary legislative power granted to the President in exceptional circumstances when immediate action is required and Parliament is not in session.
• Once Parliament is in session, the ordinance must be approved by both Houses within a specified period, typically six weeks, from the reassembly of Parliament.

2. ✅ An ordinance cannot be used to amend the constitution.

• This statement is correct. The power to amend the Constitution lies with the Parliament, not the President.
• The President's power to promulgate ordinances is limited to making laws on matters that fall within the legislative competence of Parliament.
• The Constitution can only be amended by following the specific procedure outlined in Article 368, which involves the introduction and passage of a constitutional amendment bill in both Houses of Parliament, followed by the President's assent.

Therefore, only statement 2 is correct, and the correct answer is B: 2 only.

The correct answer is C: withhold his assent to any bill reserved for his consideration

Under Article 200 and Article 201 of the Indian Constitution:

1. When a Governor reserves a bill for the President's consideration, the President has the following options:

   • Grant assent to the bill.
   • Withhold assent to the bill.
   • Return the bill (if it is not a money bill) to the state legislature with a request for reconsideration.
2. The President acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, though in such cases the scope of discretion is relatively wider.

Constitutional Provision
The requirement for the President to address both Houses of Parliament assembled is a Constitutional Provision, specifically, it is stated in Article 87 of the Indian Constitution.

• Role of President: The President, as the head of state, is required to inform Parliament about its summons. This is a key part of the separation of powers and checks and balances in the Indian political system.
• Timing of the Address: The address is made at the beginning of the first session after each general election and at the start of the first session each year. This means that the President must address Parliament at least once a year.
• Content of the Address: The President's address covers a wide range of issues, including government policy, legislative priorities, and national issues of importance. The President's address sets the agenda for the legislative year.
• Importance of the Provision: This provision ensures that Parliament is kept informed of the President's perspective and allows the President to influence the legislative agenda. It also provides an opportunity for the President to comment on national issues and to set out the government's agenda.
• Difference from other Provisions: This provision is different from statutory provisions, rules of procedure of the house, or parliamentary conventions, all of which are created by Parliament itself and can be changed by Parliament. A constitutional provision, on the other hand, is part of the Constitution and can only be changed through a constitutional amendment, which requires a special majority in Parliament.

In conclusion, the requirement for the President to address both Houses of Parliament assembled at specified times is a constitutional provision that plays a key role in the functioning of the Indian political system.

• ✅Statement I: The President of India has the authority to grant pardons, commutations, remissions, respites, and reprieves. This is enshrined in Article 72 of the Indian Constitution, which provides the President with the power to grant mercy in various forms to those convicted of offenses. This statement is correct.
• ❌Statement II: This statement suggests that the President exercises the pardoning power independently, without the advice of the Union Cabinet. However, this is incorrect. As per the constitutional framework and the established conventions in India, the President exercises executive powers based on the advice of the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister. This includes the exercise of the pardoning power. Therefore, the President does not act independently in this regard; rather, the decision is typically made on the advice of the Union Cabinet.

Therefore Correct Answer : Option C

The correct answer is Option D - None

Both statements are incorrect.

Under Article 123, the President may promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session; such ordinances may be made on matters on which Parliament is competent to legislate, including the Union List, the Concurrent List and residuary subjects, and are not restricted only to the Union List.

The power to promulgate ordinances for a state vests in the Governor under Article 213; state ordinances are issued by the Governor and do not require the President's prior recommendation.

All ordinances must be laid before the appropriate legislature when it reassembles and, if not approved within six weeks of reassembly, cease to operate.

Hence, both statements are factually wrong and Option D is the correct choice.

1. Dissolve the Lok Sabha ❌
The President can dissolve the Lok Sabha under Article 85, but not on his own subjective opinion that Parliament has “failed in its duty.” This is done on the advice of the Council of Ministers. So this statement is incorrect in the given context.

2. Dismiss the Council of Ministers ❌
The President cannot arbitrarily dismiss the Council of Ministers. Under Article 75, the Council remains in office as long as it enjoys the confidence of the Lok Sabha. The President acts on constitutional conventions, not personal opinion.

3. Promulgate Ordinance ❌
Under Article 123, the President can promulgate an ordinance only when Parliament is not in session and immediate action is required. It is not meant to compensate for Parliament “failing in its duty,” nor is it based on such an opinion.

• ✅ Pair 1 (Correct): Negotiation and conclusion of international treaties is a Diplomatic Authority of the President.
• ❌ Pair 2 (Incorrect): Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner falls under Executive Authority, not Military Authority.
• ✅ Pair 3 (Correct): Withholding assent to bills passed by Parliament is a part of the President's Veto Power.
• ❌ Pair 4 (Incorrect): Declaration of scheduled areas is an Executive Authority, not Emergency Authority. Emergency Authority includes powers like declaring a state of emergency.

Therefore Correct Answer is Option B