Article 87 of the Indian Constitution lays down a significant constitutional ceremony involving the President and the Parliament. It mandates the President to deliver a special address to both Houses of Parliament at specific junctures, which is a key feature of the parliamentary system, reflecting the government’s agenda and priorities. This address is distinct from other addresses the President might make to Parliament.
This provision is crucial for understanding the relationship between the Executive Head (President) and the Legislature (Parliament) in India, highlighting the President’s role in initiating parliamentary sessions and outlining the government’s policy roadmap. For UPSC CSE aspirants, understanding Article 87 is essential for grasping the procedural and substantive aspects of parliamentary functioning.
Original Text
87. Special address by the President.
(1) At the commencement of the first session after each general election to the House of the People and at the commencement of the first session of each year, the President shall address both Houses of Parliament assembled together and inform Parliament of the causes of its summons.
(2) Provision shall be made by the rules regulating the procedure of either House for the allotment of time for discussion of the matters referred to in such address and for the precedence of such discussion over other business of the House.
Detailed Explanation
Article 87 mandates the President to deliver a special address to a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) on two specific occasions:
- At the commencement of the first session after each general election to the House of the People (Lok Sabha): After a general election, the newly constituted Lok Sabha meets for its first session. At the very beginning of this session, the President addresses both Houses of Parliament assembled together. This address marks the formal beginning of the new legislative term and the formation of a new government (or the continuation of an existing one).
- At the commencement of the first session of each year: Every calendar year, the President addresses both Houses of Parliament at the commencement of the first session of that year (traditionally the Budget Session). This is an annual ritual that sets the tone for the legislative business of the year.
The purpose of this special address is to “inform Parliament of the causes of its summons.” In practice, this translates into a statement of the government’s policy, priorities, legislative agenda, achievements of the past year, and plans for the coming year. Although delivered by the President, the address is essentially a speech prepared by the Council of Ministers, reflecting the Executive’s perspective and program.
Clause (2) of Article 87 requires that the rules of procedure of both Houses of Parliament must make provision for the discussion of the matters referred to in the President’s address. This discussion is given precedence over other business of the House. Following the President’s address, a ‘Motion of Thanks’ is moved in each House by members of the ruling party, thanking the President for the address. This motion is then discussed extensively, allowing members to debate the points raised in the address and consequently, the government’s policies and performance. Members are free to move amendments to the Motion of Thanks. The discussion on the Motion of Thanks is a significant opportunity for both the ruling party to defend its policies and the opposition to criticize the government.
Detailed Notes
- Mandatory Address: Article 87 makes it obligatory for the President to address Parliament on specified occasions.
- Recipient: The address is delivered to both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) assembled together in the Central Hall of Parliament.
- Occasions:
- Beginning of the first session after a General Election to the Lok Sabha.
- Beginning of the first session of each year (usually the Budget Session).
- Purpose: To inform Parliament about the causes of its summons, which in practice means outlining the government’s policies, priorities, legislative agenda, and achievements.
- Content: The speech is prepared by the Union Council of Ministers and reflects the government’s viewpoint, not the President’s personal views.
- Follow-up Discussion: Article 87(2) mandates that rules of procedure of both Houses must provide time for discussion of the address.
- Motion of Thanks: A Motion of Thanks to the President for the address is moved and discussed in both Houses.
- Debate: The discussion on the Motion of Thanks is a major occasion for parliamentary debate on government policies and actions.
- Amendments: Amendments can be moved to the Motion of Thanks.
- Voting: The Motion of Thanks is put to vote at the end of the discussion.
- Significance of Vote: Failure to pass the Motion of Thanks in the Lok Sabha is considered a defeat of the government and implies a loss of confidence, although this is extremely rare.
Additional Comments
- The concept of the President’s special address is borrowed from the British parliamentary practice, where the monarch delivers the ‘Speech from the Throne’ outlining the government’s legislative agenda.
- The address is a formal communication from the Executive Head to the Legislature, highlighting the principle of parliamentary democracy where the government (Executive) is accountable to the Parliament.
- The detailed debate on the Motion of Thanks is a critical mechanism for parliamentary scrutiny and accountability of the government.
- While the President addresses both Houses together, the discussion and passing of the Motion of Thanks happen separately in each House.
- It is important to distinguish this “Special Address” under Article 87 from other instances where the President may address either House or both Houses assembled together (e.g., during a joint sitting to resolve legislative deadlock under Article 108, or addressing one House on a particular occasion). Article 87 specifically refers to the commencement of the first sessions as mentioned.
Summary
Article 87 of the Indian Constitution mandates the President to deliver a special address to a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament at the commencement of the first session following each general election and at the commencement of the first session of each year. This address, prepared by the government, outlines its policies, programs, and legislative agenda. Following the address, both Houses hold a detailed discussion on the matters raised via a Motion of Thanks, which provides an opportunity to debate the government’s performance and future plans.