The Constitution lays down the following conditions of the President’s office:
- He should not be a member of either House of Parliament or a House of the state legislature. If any such person is elected as President, he is deemed to have vacated his seat in that House on the date on which he enters upon his office as President.
- He should not hold any other office of profit.
- He is entitled, without payment of rent, to the use of his official residence (the Rastrapathi Bhavan).
- He is entitled to such emoluments, allowances and privileges as may be determined by Parliament.
- His emoluments and allowances cannot be diminished during his term of office.
In 2008, the Parliament increased the salary of the President from Rs.50,000 to Rs.1.50 lakh per
month and the pension to 50% of his salary per month. In addition, the former Presidents are entitled
to furnished residence, phone facilities, car, medical treatment, travel facility, secretarial staff and
office expenses upto Rs. 60,000 per annum. The spouse of a deceased President is also entitled to a
family pension at the rate of 50% of pension of a retired President, furnished residence, phone
facility, car, medical treatment, travel facility, secretarial staff and office expenses upto Rs.12,000
per annum. (The President’s Emoluments and Pension Amendment Act of 2008.)
The President is entitled to a number of privileges and immunities. He enjoys personal immunity from legal liability for his official acts. During his term of office, he is immune from any criminal
proceedings, even in respect of his personal acts. He cannot be arrested or imprisoned. However,
after giving two months’ notice, civil proceedings can be instituted against him during his term of
office in respect of his personal acts.
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