The Council of Ministers can be dissolved by the:

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) President of India

• The Council of Ministers exists as long as it enjoys the confidence of the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament).

• When the Prime Minister resigns or dies, the entire Council of Ministers is deemed to have resigned (as per the principle of collective responsibility under Article 75(3)).

• The President of India, being the constitutional head, formally dissolves the Council of Ministers, usually on the advice of the Prime Minister or after a loss of majority in the Lok Sabha.

• However, the President acts on aid and advice of the Council until new arrangements are made (Article 74).

Information Booster:

• Article 74: Council of Ministers with the PM at the head aids and advises the President.

• Article 75(2): Ministers hold office at the pleasure of the President.

• Article 75(3): The Council is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

• The Prime Minister's resignation leads to automatic dissolution of the entire Council.

• The President may dismiss the CoM if it loses majority and no alternative government is viable.

• The Supreme Court cannot dissolve the CoM — it can only review constitutionality of actions.

Additional Information:

• Supreme Court of India –

• Head of the Judiciary.

• Ensures constitutional validity but has no power to dissolve the Council of Ministers.

• Governor on advice of the Chief Minister –

• This applies to states, not the Union Government.

• Governor deals with State Council of Ministers, not Union.

• State Legislature –

• Can bring a no-confidence motion at the state level but not at the Union level.

• The Union Council of Ministers is answerable to the Lok Sabha.

• President of India –

• Can dissolve the Union Council of Ministers, generally on PM's advice.

• Exercises this power when a government loses majority or resigns.