Swearing-in Ceremony

Swearing-in Ceremony

Context: The swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan after the
conclusion of the 18th Lok Sabha elections.

Swearing-in ceremony and Oath-taking

• A swearing-in ceremony is a formal event where a person assumes control of a government office by pledging loyalty to the Constitution and promising to discharge their duties faithfully (oath-taking).
• In India, it is held for various offices, including the President, Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and judges.
• The oath of office is administered by different authorities based on the office:
o For the President: Chief Justice of India
o For Prime Minister and Union Cabinet: President – Article 74(4)
o For Chief Ministers and state ministers: Governor – Article 164(3)
• Oath-takers can swear in the name of God or “solemnly affirm.”
• Article 60 of the constitution deals with the President’s oath of office, and the oaths for various other offices are outlined in the Third Schedule of the Constitution.
• Article 164 mandates that the oath must be read exactly as written. If any deviations occur, the administrator of the oath must correct the individual being sworn in.

Oath of Secrecy: Taken by ministers, promising not to reveal matters under their consideration.

• The Third Schedule of the Indian Constitution outlines the oaths and affirmations for various constitutional positions, including Union Ministers, Parliament election candidates, MPs, SC Judges, CAG, State Ministers, State Legislature election candidates, State Legislature Members, and HC Judges.