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| What is Article 61 of Indian constitution |
Article 61 of the Indian Constitution provides the procedure for the impeachment of the President of India if they are found to have violated the Constitution.
📜 Text of Article 61 (Simplified)
The President can be impeached for "violation of the Constitution" by a special process carried out by Parliament.
✅ Key Points of Article 61
🔹 Grounds for Impeachment
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Only one ground: Violation of the Constitution
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"Violation" is not defined in the Constitution — Parliament decides what qualifies.
🔹 Who Can Start the Process?
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Either House of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) can start it.
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Minimum support required to initiate:
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At least one-fourth (1/4) of the total members of the House must sign a written notice.
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🔹 Procedure of Impeachment
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Notice of intention to impeach is signed by 1/4th of the members.
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The notice is given 14 days in advance to the President.
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Then, the House votes on the motion.
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It must be passed by 2/3rd majority of the total membership of that House (not just those present).
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The motion then goes to the other House, which investigates the charges.
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The President can appear in person or through a lawyer.
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If the second House also passes the motion by a 2/3rd majority, the President is formally removed from office.
🧾 Summary of the Impeachment Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Written notice signed by at least 1/4th of House members |
| 2 | 14 days’ advance notice given to President |
| 3 | First House passes motion with 2/3rd majority |
| 4 | Second House holds investigation |
| 5 | If second House also passes it by 2/3rd majority, President is removed |
📌 Summary of Article 61
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Impeachment of the President |
| Ground | Violation of the Constitution (only ground) |
| Initiation | By either House of Parliament |
| Majority needed | Two-thirds of the total membership in both Houses |
| President’s rights | Can defend self during investigation |
| Outcome | If both Houses agree → President is removed from office |
✅ Important Note: No President of India has ever been impeached till date.
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