Who can initiate the impeachment process of the President?

• A. Chief Justice of India
• B. Either House of Parliament
• C. President of India
• D. Vice President of India

Answer: (B)

The impeachment process of the President of India can be initiated by either House of Parliament, which is a critical aspect of the constitutional framework established by the Indian Constitution. This means that both the Lok Sabha (the House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (the Council of States) have the authority to commence the impeachment process independently.

The procedure requires that a notice of impeachment be given to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, depending on which House is initiating the process. Once the notice is received, the respective House must address the charges against the President. A two-thirds majority in both Houses is required to remove the President from office, reflecting the serious nature of the impeachment process, which is designed to ensure that the President is held accountable for any constitutional violations or misconduct.

This mechanism emphasizes the checks and balances inherent in the Indian parliamentary system, reinforcing the principle that the President must uphold the Constitution and the law. The role of the judiciary or the other offices like that of the Vice President or the Chief Justice is not part of this initiation process, which is why the correct answer highlights the role of the Parliament.