President’s Address to Parliament: Constitutional Basis and Significance

On 28 January, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the joint sitting of Parliament at the commencement of the Budget Session, outlining the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat. Her address highlighted key achievements and priorities across social justice, economic growth, infrastructure development, national security, and India’s global engagement.

Constitutional Provisions: Articles 86 and 87

• Article 86
  • Confers the right on the President to address either House of Parliament or both Houses assembled together.
  • The President may also require the attendance of Members for this purpose.
  • However, since the commencement of the Constitution, this provision has not been invoked to address a House or both Houses under Article 86.
• Article 87
  • Mandates the President’s special address to both Houses of Parliament on two occasions:
    1. At the beginning of the first Session after each general election, when the newly constituted Lok Sabha meets for the first time.
    2. At the beginning of the first Session of each year.

Nature and Purpose of the President’s Address

• The President’s speech lays out the government’s policy priorities and legislative agenda for the coming year.
• It provides a broad framework and direction for governance and proposed actions.
• Constitutionally, no other business can be transacted in either House until the President has addressed both Houses assembled together.