2.8. Impeachment of the President

An impeachment is a quasi-judicial procedure in Parliament. The President can be removed from his office by the process of impeachment for ‘violation of the Constitution’. However, the Constitution does not define the meaning of the phrase ‘violation of the Constitution’.

The impeachment charges can be initiated by either House of Parliament. These charges should be signed by one-fourth members of the House (that framed the charges), and a 14 days’ notice should be given to the President. After the impeachment resolution is passed by a majority of two-thirds of the total membership of that House, it is sent to the other House, which should investigate the charges.

The President has the right to appear and to be represented at such investigation. If the other House also sustains the charges and passes the impeachment resolution by a majority of two- thirds of the total membership, then the President stands removed from his office from the date on which the resolution is so passed.

Since the Constitution provides the mode and ground for removing the President, he cannot be

removed otherwise than by impeachment, in accordance with the terms of Arts. 56 and 61.