What is Article 53 of Indian constitution| Article 53 of the Indian Constitution explains how the executive powers of the Union of India are exercised. It clearly defines that although the President of India holds the executive powers, they are exercised by the Council of Ministers (headed by the Prime Minister).

 

What is Article 53 of Indian constitution

Article 53 of the Indian Constitution explains how the executive powers of the Union of India are exercised. It clearly defines that although the President of India holds the executive powers, they are exercised by the Council of Ministers (headed by the Prime Minister).

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📜 Text of Article 53 (Simplified)

Clause (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.

Clause (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.

Clause (3):
Nothing in this article shall—
(a) be deemed to transfer to the President any functions conferred by any existing law on the Government of any State or other authority; or
(b) prevent Parliament from conferring by law functions on authorities other than the President.

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✅ Explanation of Article 53

Clause	Meaning
(1)	All Union executive power (decisions, administration) rests with the President, but it is used through the Prime Minister and ministers (as per Article 74)
(2)	President is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, but powers are used as per Parliament’s laws
(3)	Ensures President’s power does not interfere with state government powers or other legally empowered bodies

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🛡️ Important Points

• President = Nominal Executive

• Prime Minister + Council of Ministers = Real Executive

• The President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers (as per Article 74)

• The military power also lies with the President, but is regulated by law

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🧾 Summary of Article 53

Feature	Description
Type	Constitutional Executive Provision
Executive power vests in	President, used through ministers/officers
Defence power	Supreme command lies with President (symbolically)
Real authority	Prime Minister & Council of Ministers

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