Following are the legislative powers of the Indian President provided by Art. 123 of the Constitution:
1. Power to Summon: Prorogue and Dissolve the Parliament. The President can convene, prorogue and dissolve the Parliament. He can order fresh elections to the Lok Sabha on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. He must call the session of the Parliament within 6 months.
2. Address to the Parliament: He can address the two Houses of the Parliament jointly or he may address them independently. The first session of the Parliament after the General elections is inaugurated by the President. He also addresses the first session of the Parliament every year. In his address the President explains the policy of the Government- to the House.
3. Nominates the Members to the Parliament: He nominates 12 persons to the Rajya Sabha. These persons must have distinguished themselves in the fields of art, literature, science and social service. He can nominate two persons of the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha if he feels that the community has not got adequate representation.
4. Assent on Bills: No bill passed by the Parliament can become an Act without the assent of the President. He can reject an ordinary bill only once and when passed for the second time, the President is to give his assent.
5. Approval to Money Bills: He gives approval to money bills passed by the State Legislatures.
6. Joint Session: He can call a joint session of the two Houses of the Parliament. If the two Chambers differ on an ordinary bill, only then he calls a joint session.
7. Power to Send Messages: He can send messages to any House from time to time.
8. Ordinance: During the intervals of the session of the Parliament, he can issue ordinances. These ordinances have the force of laws.
