What is the President’s Address?

  • Article 87 of the Constitution mandates that the President shall address both Houses of Parliament assembled together:
    • At the commencement of the first session after each general election to the Lok Sabha
    • At the commencement of the first session of each year
  • It outlines the Government’s policy priorities, achievements, and legislative agenda for the coming year.
  • It is delivered in the Central Hall before a Joint Sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
  • The address is followed by a motion of thanks moved in Lok Sabha, debated and voted upon.

Joint Sitting of Houses:

  • Provided under Article 108 of the Constitution to resolve deadlocks between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on a bill.
  • A joint sitting may be summoned by the President if, after a bill is passed by one House and sent to the other:
    • The other House rejects the bill, or
    • The Houses disagree on amendments, or
    • More than six months have elapsed without the passage of the bill (excluding prorogued/adjourned days >4 days)
  • Money Bills (handled under Article 110) and Constitution Amendment Bills (require special majorities under Article 368) are key exceptions (Not Applicable for Joint Sitting).
  • A joint sitting is summoned by the President but presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (or in their absence, the Deputy Speaker / Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha).

Source: The Hindu

 

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