The question asks to identify the de facto executive authority in India. This requires understanding the distinction between the nominal (de jure) and real (de facto) executive powers in India's parliamentary system.
Correct Option: C) The Prime Minister is considered the de facto executive authority in India. While the President is the constitutional head and de jure executive, the actual executive powers are exercised by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
The question asks about the specific article in the Indian Constitution that deals with the appointment of the Prime Minister by the President. To answer this, one needs to recall the constitutional provisions related to the Union Executive, particularly Articles 74, 75, 78, and 88.
B) Article 75. This article explicitly states: "The Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister."
The question asks about the eligibility criteria for the Prime Minister of India at the time of appointment. This requires knowledge of constitutional provisions related to the appointment of the Prime Minister and ministers.
A) need not necessarily be a member of one of the Houses of the Parliament but must become a member of one of the Houses Within six months
This option accurately reflects the constitutional provision under Article 75(5). A person can be appointed Prime Minister without being a member of Parliament, but this is a temporary arrangement, and they must get elected or nominated to either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha within six months to continue in office.
The question asks about situations where the President of India exercises personal discretion in appointing the Prime Minister. This involves understanding the constitutional provisions and conventions related to the appointment of the Prime Minister.
C) When no party has a clear majority: This is the primary situation where the President exercises personal discretion in appointing the Prime Minister. In a 'hung Parliament', the President has to use their judgment to decide who is most likely to form a stable government and command the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
The question asks to identify the Prime Minister who took office in 1979 following the resignation of Morarji Desai. This requires knowledge of Indian political history, specifically the timeline of Prime Ministers.
B) Charan Singh — Charan Singh was appointed Prime Minister in 1979 after Morarji Desai's government fell. He served a brief term from July 28, 1979, to January 14, 1980.
The question asks which court ruled that a non-Member of Parliament (MP) can be appointed as Prime Minister for a period of six months. This is a specific legal interpretation related to constitutional provisions regarding ministerial appointments in India.
C) Supreme Court — The Supreme Court of India has consistently held that a non-MP can be appointed as Prime Minister (or any minister), but must secure a seat in either House of Parliament within six months, failing which they cease to hold office. This interpretation is based on Article 75(5) of the Constitution.