Art. 86 Part V: The Union

Right of President to Address and Send Messages to Houses

Exact text — Constitution of India

(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.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article gives the President the formal right to address Parliament (requiring members' attendance) and to send messages to either House about pending legislation or other matters, with the House required to promptly consider whatever the message raises — a mechanism for the head of state to formally communicate with the legislature.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

While the President's annual address to both Houses (under the related Article 87) is the most visible use of this general communication power, this Article's broader message-sending mechanism gives the President an ongoing, formal channel to raise matters with Parliament beyond just that single annual occasion.

Read alongside this one

Art. 87 — Special Address by the President

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 86

Is the President's address to Parliament the same as the government's own policy statements?

The President's address (typically drafted with significant input from the government, consistent with Article 74's advice framework) formally sets out the government's legislative and policy agenda for the session, even though it's delivered by the President.

← PreviousArticle 85: Sessions of Parliament, Prorogation and Dissolution Next →Article 87: Special Address by the President

The text above reproduces Article 86 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.