The President of India is not merely a ceremonial head. All key decisions are made in the President’s name, but most are based on the binding advice of the Council of Ministers under Article 74. However, in some special cases, the President can act independently using discretionary powers.

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• President usually acts on advice of Council of Ministers, Article 74
• Discretionary powers not explicitly listed, inferred from constitutional provisions
• Suspensive veto: return bill (not money bill) for reconsideration
• Pocket veto: keep bill pending indefinitely, no time limit in Constitution
• Can seek information from Prime Minister under Article 78
• Can summon Parliament when no sitting, Article 85
• In no-majority Lok Sabha, discretion to invite leader to form govt
• Can decide on dissolving Lok Sabha or Council of Ministers after loss of confidence
• Caretaker govt: President decides day-to-day matters, not major policy
• Non-discretionary powers include: declaring emergencies, appointing governors, judges, military chiefs, election commissioners, pardoning criminals