What is the procedure for impeachment of the President?

• A. A two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament is required
• B. A simple majority in one House is sufficient
• C. Unanimous decision by the Council of Ministers
• D. Majority vote in the Electoral College

Answer: (A)

The impeachment process for the President of India is a constitutional procedure laid out in Article 61 of the Constitution. It requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament, which emphasizes the seriousness of the matter as it is aimed at removing the head of state for violations of the Constitution or other grave offenses. This necessity for a supermajority ensures that the decision to impeach is not taken lightly and reflects a broad consensus from elected representatives.

The process involves multiple steps: first, a notice of impeachment must be given, and then the charges must be investigated, allowing for a fair opportunity for the President to defend themselves. Finally, both the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) must each separately approve the resolution with the required two-thirds majority.

In contrast, a simple majority would not sufficiently reflect the gravity of the decision, which is why this option is not correct. A unanimous decision by the Council of Ministers is not required for impeachment; instead, it is the Parliament that holds the power to decide. Similarly, a majority vote in the Electoral College is irrelevant in this context, as the electoral process pertains to the election of the President rather than their impeachment. Thus, the requirement for a two-thirds