The Appointment of President

Supreme Court lowers the criterion for appointment as The President, a member of consumer forums.

The Supreme Court on March 3 stated that lawyers and professionals with 10 years of experience would be eligible for appointment as President.

The lawyers and professionals with 10 years of experience will be eligible for appointment as President.
As well as members of the state consumer commission and district forums.
The Central Government and the respective state governments must amend the Consumer Protection Regulations, 2020.
- It is to allow for at least ten years of experience before being appointed president instead of 20 and 15 years as members of the state commission and district forums.

In exercising powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to ensure complete justice, directed that until suitable amendments are made.
A person with a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university and professional experience of not less than 10 years in consumer affairs, law, public affairs, administration, and economics can qualify for the posts.
Individuals with comparable expertise in business, industry, finance, management, engineering, technology, public health, or medicine are also eligible for nomination to the State Commission.
According to Article 233 of the Constitution, a barrister must have only 7 years of experience as an advocate in the High Court.
Under the circumstances, providing 20 years’ experience under Rule 3(2)(b)is unconstitutional, arbitrary, and in violation of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution.

About
- The Indian President is the country’s head of state.
- He is India’s first citizen, symbolising solidarity, togetherness, and integrity.
- In addition, he is a member of the Union Executive, the provisions of which are addressed in Articles 52-78, including articles concerning the President (Articles 52-62).
- Together with the Vice-President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, and Attorney-General of India.
Election Process
- The Indian President is not elected directly.
- An electoral college elects him.
- The electoral college comprises elected members of the following groups:
  - Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
  - Legislative Assemblies of the states.
  - Legislative Assemblies of the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 54: Election of President
- Article 55: Procedure of election of President.
- Article 56: Term of office of President
- Article 57: Eligibility for re-election.
- Article 58: Qualifications for election as President

Once elected, the President serves for five years.
He remains in office even after five years if no new elections have been held or a new President has been elected.
He can also be re-elected, and there is no term limit.

He should be a citizen of India.
His age should be at least 35 years old.
He should meet the requirements for election to the Lok Sabha.
He should not occupy any profit-making position in the federal government, state government, or public authority.

Every executive action done by the Indian government has to be taken in his name.
He may or may not adopt guidelines to ease the central government’s commercial transactions.
He appoints the Attorney General of India and sets his salary.
He appoints the following individuals:
- Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
- Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
- Chairman and members of the Union Public Service Commission.
- State Governors.
- Finance Commission of India chairman and members.
He requests administrative data from the Union government.
He mandates the Prime Minister to report to the Council of Ministers any topic on which a minister has made a decision but has not been considered by the council.

Pic Courtesy: Tribune India

Content Source: Business Standard