Part V - Parliament • Article

Article 86 Simplified: Right of President to address and send messages to Houses

The President has the right to talk to the Parliament or send messages to them about pending laws. If the President sends a message, the Parliament must discuss it as soon as possible.

Official Text

(1) The President may address either House of Parliament or both Houses assembled together, and for that purpose require the attendance of members. (2) The President may send messages to either House of Parliament, whether with respect to a Bill then pending in Parliament or otherwise, and a House to which any message is so sent shall with all convenient despatch consider any matter required by the message to be taken into consideration.

Simple Meaning

The President has the right to talk to the Parliament or send messages to them about pending laws. If the President sends a message, the Parliament must discuss it as soon as possible.

Explain Like Ten

The President is like the ceremonial head of the school who can come and speak at any assembly, or send a formal letter to the students' council. If a bill is stuck or there's an important message to Parliament, the President can formally communicate it — and Parliament must consider it.

Student Mode

Article 86 gives the President two important communication rights: (1) The right to address — The President may address either House or both Houses assembled together and require the attendance of members. (2) The right to send messages — The President may send messages about pending bills or any other matter; the House receiving the message must consider it promptly. This article reflects the principle that the President, as the constitutional head, must have a formal channel to communicate with the legislature.

Example

Think of the Executive like the captain and management of a ship. They don't build the ship or write the maritime laws, but they steer the ship and make sure everyone on board follows the rules daily.

Key Takeaway

The President can communicate directly with the law-makers.

FAQs

What is the difference between Article 86 (right to address) and Article 87 (special address)?

Article 86 gives the President a general right to address Parliament at any time. Article 87 specifically mandates the President to address both Houses at the start of the first session after each general election and at the first session of each year.

Can the President send a message to Parliament about a bill they disagree with?

Yes. Under Article 111 read with Article 86, when the President returns a bill (other than a Money Bill) for reconsideration, they can send it with a message. The Houses must then reconsider it.