The Hindu Business Line : Supreme commander?

The article "President as Supreme Commander — Need for law vesting powers and authority" (Business Line, February 17) has outlined pertinent factors regarding operational decisions in Defence matters. The author succinctly brings out the truth that the President is neither supreme nor is he a commander!

As the so called Supreme Commander of the Defence Services the President has no say in defence matters, but has "to simply sign on the line dotted by the Prime Minister and his Cabinet".

The article compares the situation with that of the powers of the US President and lists a few unilateral and momentous, but not necessarily correct, decisions taken by US Presidents such as Abraham Lincoln, Harry Truman, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and the Bushes.

In this context, however, one would regretfully beg to submit that this is a matter of missing the woods for the trees! As recognised by the author the President has no real powers. He/she is not the executive head of our government, but only its titular head. The Prime Minister is the real executive head. On the other hand the US President is the executive head and not beholden to any other agency but the legislature. Hence comparing the powers of the Indian and US Presidents do not appear to be of much help.

Also mentioned is the crucial point that the US President in making all defence decisions, is assisted by the Joint Chiefs of Staff who report directly to him.

This is not the case in India, where the Chiefs of Staff do not report directly to the Prime Minister, but have to interact through the Ministry of Defence, a procedure introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru.

The article highlights the need for appropriate provisions to prevent vital decisions pertaining to the nation's Defence from becoming a prey to political vagaries. This is a fond hope, but most unlikely to materialise since it strikes at the very roots of the political structure of our mode of governance!

G. Radhakrishnan

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