What is Article 78 of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Article 78: Duties of Prime Minister as respects the furnishing of information to the President, etc It shall be the duty of the Prime Minister— (a) to
📅 Part V – The Union
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Article Number

78

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Part V – The Union

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Active

Bare Acts Text

Article 78: Duties of Prime Minister as respects the furnishing of information to the President, etc

  • It shall be the duty of the Prime Minister—
    • (a) to communicate to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation;
    • (b) to furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation as the President may call for; and
    • (c) if the President so requires, to submit for the consideration of the Council of Ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a Minister but which has not been considered by the Council.
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Full Definition & Explanation

Article 78 of the Indian Constitution outlines the duties of the Prime Minister regarding communication with the President. It is the Prime Minister’s responsibility to inform the President about decisions made by the Council of Ministers concerning the administration of the country. This ensures that the President is kept in the loop about key governmental actions and proposed legislation, fostering transparency and accountability within the executive branch of government. Additionally, the Prime Minister must provide any information requested by the President about the Union’s administration and legislative proposals. This provision promotes a collaborative relationship between the President and the Prime Minister, allowing for informed discussions on policy matters. It is key for the smooth functioning of the government, as it helps the President understand the executive’s workings and make informed decisions when necessary. Lastly, if the President requests it, the Prime Minister is required to present any matter decided by a Minister that has not yet been reviewed by the Council of Ministers. This clause ensures that all major decisions are scrutinized collectively. In real-world terms, this means that the Prime Minister must balance individual ministerial decisions with broader governmental oversight, which can be necessary in crisis situations where quick decisions are needed, yet collective wisdom is still valued.

Historical Context

Article 78 was included in the original Constitution adopted on January 26, 1950. During the Constituent Assembly debates, members discussed the importance of a strong communication line between the President and the Prime Minister for effective governance. They emphasized that this relationship is key for accountability and informed decision-making. The Article has remained unchanged since its inception, highlighting the enduring consensus on the need for clear delineation of responsibilities in governance. Notable Supreme Court rulings, including Keshavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, have recognized the importance of this Article in maintaining the balance of power within the framework of the Constitution.

Key Features

– The Prime Minister must inform the President about governmental decisions.
– It mandates the Prime Minister to provide requested information to the President.
– The Prime Minister must present certain matters to the Council of Ministers.
– This article promotes transparency between the President and Prime Minister.
– It ensures collective decision-making within the executive branch.

Importance & Impact

– Promotes collaboration between the President and Prime Minister for effective governance.
– Ensures the President is aware of key government decisions and policies being made.
– Increases accountability and oversight in the functioning of the executive branch.
– Facilitates timely communication about legislative proposals and necessary government actions.
– Supports the principle of collective responsibility among Cabinet members in decision-making.

Sample UPSC Question

Consider the following statements regarding Article 78 of the Indian Constitution: A. It mandates the Prime Minister to inform the President about all decisions made by the Council of Ministers. B. The Prime Minister must provide information only when asked by the President. C. The President can request information on legislative proposals and decisions taken by ministers. D. The Prime Minister’s duties regarding communication with the President are not defined in this Article. Which of the above statements are correct? Select the correct options.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer

The correct answer is A and C. Article 78 clearly states that the Prime Minister must inform the President about decisions related to governance and provide requested information, including on legislative proposals. Other statements are incorrect as the Prime Minister has defined duties, and the President’s inquiries are not limited to just when requested.

Key Takeaways

✓ Article 78 outlines the Prime Minister’s communication duties.
✓ The President can request information on government affairs whenever necessary.
✓ It fosters transparency in how the executive operates and makes decisions.
✓ The Prime Minister must keep the President informed about key decisions.
✓ This article encourages a collaborative relationship between the President and Prime Minister.

FAQs

Article 78 of the Indian Constitution outlines the duties of the Prime Minister regarding communication with the President. It is the Prime Minister’s responsibility to inform the President about decisions made by the Council of Ministers concerning the administration of the country. This ensures that the President is kept in the loop about key governmental actions and proposed legislation, fostering transparency and accountability within the executive branch of government.

This provision promotes a collaborative relationship between the President and the Prime Minister, allowing for informed discussions on policy matters. It is key for the smooth functioning of the government, as it helps the President understand the executive’s workings and make informed decisions when necessary. Lastly, if the President requests it, the Prime Minister is required to present any matter decided by a Minister that has not yet been reviewed by the Council of Ministers.

Lastly, if the President requests it, the Prime Minister is required to present any matter decided by a Minister that has not yet been reviewed by the Council of Ministers. This clause ensures that all major decisions are scrutinized collectively. In real-world terms, this means that the Prime Minister must balance individual ministerial decisions with broader governmental oversight, which can be necessary in crisis situations where quick decisions are needed, yet collective wisdom is still valued.

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Pramod is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of StudyHub. He holds a Master's degree and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geology, alongside more than 7+ years spent building and verifying competitive exam content for Indian aspirants. He leads StudyHub's editorial process across Indian Polity, the Constitution, Indian Economy, History, Geography, Science, and the platform's other subject areas — checking every article against primary sources (bare act text and Gazette notifications for constitutional topics, government and Economic Survey data for economy content, standard reference material elsewhere) and flagging it for re-verification whenever a relevant amendment, policy, or data update makes an earlier version outdated.
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