With reference to the special address of the President of India, which of the following statements is/are correct?1.The President addresses the joint meeting of both Houses of Parliament at the commencement of the first session after each general election of the House of the People and at the commencement of the first session of each year.2.The President in his address informs Parliament of the causes of its summons.Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. A

   1 only

   1 only would drop statement 2, which is also constitutionally correct. Article 87 requires the President to inform Parliament of the causes of its summons. This option is not the key.

2. B

   2 only

   2 only would drop statement 1. The President does address both Houses together at the start of the first session after each general election to the Lok Sabha and at the commencement of the first session of each year. This option is therefore wrong.

3. C

   Both 1 and 2

   Both 1 and 2 is the official key. Article 87 provides for the President’s special address to both Houses assembled together at the commencement of the first session after each general election to the House of the People and at the commencement of the first session of each year. In that address the President informs Parliament of the causes of its summons. Both statements therefore stand.

4. D

   Neither 1 nor 2

   Neither 1 nor 2 denies two clear limbs of Article 87. This option is not the key.

Summary. Official key is (c) Both 1 and 2. The special address is a constitutional duty under Article 87, not a mere courtesy. It is delivered to both Houses together on the two occasions named in statement 1. Statement 2 repeats the Article’s own words on the causes of summons. Only (c) is correct.