The Prime Minister Is Away, Who Is In Charge?

There has been a lot speculation in the wake of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's bypass surgery about the protocol implications of the absence of the head of government. Who is in charge? This is not merely about who controls the nuclear button -- that makes for good headlines. This is about a whole range of governance issues.

Indian Scenario

The Indian practice is simple. When the prime minister is away, for example on foreign tours, then the most senior member presides over the cabinet meetings. This is fine, but what about serious emergencies? Someone has to run the country -- not merely on day to day matters but also in case of a situation where a quick decision has to be taken; including a war-like scenario. Are we to call a committee meeting if a missile is lobbed at us?

American Model

Everyone knows that in America the Vice President of the United States becomes the new President of the United States upon the death, resignation, or removal of the president. However the American model is much more comprehensive. The Presidential Succession Act of 1947 establishes the line of succession to the office of President of the United States in the event that neither a President or Vice President is able to "discharge the powers and duties of the office".

The act establishes the list of officers who automatically assume the office of the President in case of any eventuality. In all 13 persons are mentioned.

The act contains provisions to ensure the following:

1. Presidential Succession
   
2. Continuity of Congress
   
3. Continuity of the Supreme Court
   

What Needs To Be Done In India

India needs similar provisions to ensure the continuity of Government in case of any eventuality. The terrorist attack on the Parliament of India on December 13, 2001 underlines the need for such provisions.

It is time we relooked at the existing constitutional provisions and modified them. New protocols need to be put in place to deal with the complexities of running a country. The one person in charge must be know at all time with no scope for ambiguity. India needs a mechanism to ensure that there is a clear transfer of power to the appropriate successor in a time of crisis.