Question

The Supreme Commander of the Defence Force of India is

• A. President
• B. Prime Minister
• C. The Defence Minister
• D. Chief Marshal

Hint:

This is a direct question from the Constitution (Article 53(2)). Remember that the President holds several supreme constitutional positions in a de jure capacity, including Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces (Defence Forces) as per the Constitution of India.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Article 53(2) of the Constitution of India explicitly deals with this matter. It states:
"Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision, the supreme command of the Defence Forces of the Union shall be vested in the President and the exercise thereof shall be regulated by law."
This constitutional provision makes the President of India the head of all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces (the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force).
- The Prime Minister (B) is the head of the government and the real executive.
- The Defence Minister (C) is the head of the Ministry of Defence, responsible for the administration of the forces.
- Chief Marshal (D) is a high rank within the Air Force, not the commander of all forces.
While the President acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, the de jure (legal) Supreme Commander is the President.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces of India.