Part V - The Union • Article

Article 56 Simplified: Term of office of President

The President is elected for a 5-year term. They can resign by writing to the Vice-President, or they can be removed through 'Impeachment' if they violate the Constitution. Even after 5 years, they stay in office until the next President is ready to take over.

Official Text

(1) The President shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office: Provided that— (a) the President may, by writing under his hand addressed to the Vice-President, resign his office; (b) the President may, for violation of the Constitution, be removed from office by impeachment in the manner provided in article 61; (c) the President shall, notwithstanding the expiration of his term, continue to hold office until his successor enters upon his office. (2) Any resignation addressed to the Vice-President under clause (a) of the proviso to clause (1) shall forthwith be communicated by him to the Speaker of the House of the People.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

The President's job lasts for 5 years. If they want to retire early, they write a letter to the Vice-President. If they do something that breaks the Constitution, they can be removed through a trial called impeachment. They also stay in office until the next President is ready to start.

Student Mode

Defines the President's term as 5 years from the date of entering office. Outlines: (a) resignation in writing to the Vice-President (who must notify the Lok Sabha Speaker), (b) removal via impeachment under Article 61 for 'violation of the Constitution', and (c) holdover period until a successor takes charge.

Example

If a President's term ends on July 24th, but the new President isn't sworn in until July 25th, the old President continues to serve for that extra day to ensure there is never a gap in leadership.

Key Takeaway

The President has a fixed 5-year term but ensures continuity of the office.

FAQs

To whom does the President address their resignation letter?

The President addresses their resignation in writing under their hand to the Vice-President of India.

What are the grounds for removing a President from office?

The only constitutionally specified ground for the impeachment of the President is the 'violation of the Constitution'.

What is the 'holdover' period for the President?

The President continues to hold office, even after their 5-year term expires, until their successor enters office. This ensures the office is never vacant.

Quiz

If the President of India wants to resign, to whom must the resignation be addressed?

Answer: The Vice-President

On what grounds can the President of India be impeached?

Answer: Violation of the Constitution

Who must the Vice-President immediately inform about the President's resignation?

Answer: The Speaker of Lok Sabha