Correct Option
The correct option is 2 only.
Explanation
Under Article 75 of the Indian Constitution, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President. In the parliamentary system of government, this appointment is governed by long-standing constitutional conventions, primarily requiring the appointee to command the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The power to appoint the Prime Minister is not purely ceremonial. While the President is ordinarily bound to appoint the leader of the majority party, the President exercises situational discretion under specific circumstances, such as when no party has a clear majority or when the incumbent Prime Minister dies suddenly with no obvious successor.
- Statement 2 is Correct: When no single political party or coalition secures a clear majority in the Lok Sabha (a "hung Parliament"), the President exercises situational discretion. In this scenario, the President selects a leader who, in their judgment, is most likely to form a stable government and prove their majority on the floor of the House within a stipulated time.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The President cannot appoint anyone arbitrarily without regard for their support in the Lok Sabha. The core principle of the parliamentary system is that the government is collectively responsible to the Lower House. Therefore, the President must appoint a person who is capable of securing a vote of confidence. While a non-member can be appointed, they must eventually prove their majority; the appointment is not independent of the requirement for legislative support.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: The President's discretion in appointing the Prime Minister is situational, not absolute. It arises primarily during a hung Parliament or a leadership vacuum, and the ultimate objective remains the formation of a government that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha.