Notes on the Procedure of Appointment of Prime Minister of India

According to the Constitution, The Prime Minister is appointed by the President of India. In actual practice, however, the choice of the President in the appointment of Prime Minister is limited.

He appoints only that person as Prime Minister who is the leader of the party or coalition of parties having an absolute majority in House of the People. In case no party has an absolute majority in House of the People, the President can appoint any person as Prime Minister who, in his opinion, is able to form a stable Government.

The person to be appointed as Prime Minister must be a member of either House of Parliament. However, the President can appoint any such person as Prime Minister who is not a Member of Parliament but he/she must take a seat in either House of Parliament within six months. Otherwise, at the expiry of six months, he/she will have to vacate his/her office. The appointment of Sh. P.V. Narsimha Rao as Prime Minister is such an example.