Art. 61 Part V: The Union

Procedure for Impeachment of the President

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) When a President is to be impeached for violation of the Constitution, the charge shall be preferred by either House of Parliament. (2) No such charge shall be preferred unless—(a) the proposal to prefer such charge is contained in a resolution which has been moved after at least fourteen days' notice in writing signed by not less than one-fourth of the total number of members of the House has been given of their intention to move the resolution; and (b) such resolution has been passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of the House. (3) When a charge has been so preferred by either House of Parliament, the other House shall investigate the charge or cause the charge to be investigated and the President shall have the right to appear and to be represented at such investigation. (4) If as a result of the investigation a resolution is passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of the House by which the charge was investigated... declaring that the charge preferred against the President has been sustained, such resolution shall have the effect of removing the President from his office...

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article sets out the demanding, judicially-styled process for removing a President for 'violation of the Constitution' — one House brings the charge with a two-thirds supermajority, the OTHER House then investigates it (with the President having a right to appear and be represented), and removal requires that second House to also find the charge sustained by a further two-thirds majority. This deliberately high bar reflects the gravity of removing a head of state.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

As of 2026, no Indian President has ever actually faced impeachment proceedings under this Article — its demanding two-House, two-supermajority design reflects how seriously the framers treated the prospect of removing a sitting President, making it an intentionally difficult, exceptional process.

Read alongside this one

Art. 56 — Term of Office of President

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 61

Has any Indian President ever actually been impeached?

No — as of 2026, no President has faced impeachment proceedings under this Article; it remains an available but never-yet-used constitutional mechanism.

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The text above reproduces Article 61 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.