Difference Between Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad

Basis of Difference

Vidhan Sabha

Vidhan Parishad

Meaning

Vidhan Sabha means the Legislative Assembly of a state.

Vidhan Parishad means the Legislative Council of a state.

Position

It is the lower House of the State Legislature.

It is the upper House of the State Legislature.

Constitutional Provision

The Constitution provides for the Legislative Assembly under Article 168 and deals with its composition under Article 170.

The Constitution provides for the Legislative Council under Article 168 and deals with its composition under Article 171.

Type of Legislature

It forms part of a unicameral or bicameral State Legislature.

It exists only in states having a bicameral legislature.

Direct Representation

Members are directly elected by the people of the state.

Members are mostly indirectly elected, with some members nominated by the Governor.

Method of Election

Members are elected from territorial constituencies through direct elections.

Members are elected by local authorities, graduates, teachers and MLAs, while some are nominated by the Governor.

Nature of House

It is a temporary House because it can be dissolved.

It is a permanent House because it cannot be dissolved.

Term of House

Normally 5 years.

The House has no fixed term because it is permanent.

Retirement System

There is no system of periodic retirement.

One-third of members retire every two years.

Dissolution

The Vidhan Sabha can be dissolved before the completion of five years.

The Vidhan Parishad cannot be dissolved.

Minimum Age

A person must be at least 25 years old to become a member.

A person must be at least 30 years old to become a member.

Maximum Membership

Generally, the Legislative Assembly can have 60 to 500 members, subject to constitutional exceptions for certain smaller states.

The Legislative Council cannot have more than one-third of the total membership of the Legislative Assembly and generally cannot have fewer than 40 members.

Composition

Members are directly elected from territorial constituencies.

About one-third are elected by local authorities, one-third by MLAs, one-twelfth by graduates, one-twelfth by teachers, and one-sixth are nominated by the Governor.

Presiding Officer

The Speaker presides over the House.

The Chairman presides over the House.

Deputy Presiding Officer

The House has a Deputy Speaker.

The House has a Deputy Chairman.

Money Bill

A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Vidhan Sabha.

A Money Bill cannot be introduced in the Vidhan Parishad.

Role in Money Bill

It has the final authority over the Money Bill at the state level.

It can only make recommendations on a Money Bill.

Time Limit for Money Bill

It is not required to wait for the Council’s approval to finally proceed with the Bill.

It must return the Money Bill with its recommendations within 14 days.

Acceptance of Recommendations

The Vidhan Sabha may accept or reject the recommendations of the Vidhan Parishad.

Its recommendations on a Money Bill are not binding on the Vidhan Sabha.

Ordinary Bills

Has greater authority in passing ordinary legislation.

Can examine and suggest changes to ordinary Bills.

Power to Delay Ordinary Bill

Can ultimately pass the Bill even if the Council does not agree.

Can delay an ordinary Bill, but cannot permanently veto it.

Joint Sitting

There is no provision for a joint sitting of the two Houses of a State Legislature to resolve legislative deadlocks.

Same constitutional position; there is no state-level joint sitting mechanism like that available for Parliament.

Control Over Executive

The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Vidhan Sabha.

The Council of Ministers is not collectively responsible to the Vidhan Parishad.

No-Confidence Motion

Can pass a no-confidence motion against the Council of Ministers.

Cannot remove the government through a no-confidence motion.

Financial Control

Exercises major control over state finances, taxation and expenditure.

Has a comparatively limited role in financial matters.

State Budget

Plays the primary role in considering and approving the state budget.

Can discuss financial matters but does not enjoy the same financial authority as the Vidhan Sabha.

Electoral Role

Elected members participate in the election of the President of India.

Members of the Legislative Council do not participate in the Presidential election.

Representation of Society

Mainly represents people through territorial constituencies.

Provides representation to local authorities, teachers, graduates, MLAs and distinguished persons.

Role in Law-Making

Acts as the principal law-making chamber at the state level.

Acts mainly as a revising and deliberative chamber.

Parliamentary Privileges

Members enjoy constitutional and legislative privileges necessary for their functions.

Members also enjoy parliamentary privileges.

Creation

Every state with a State Legislature has a Legislative Assembly.

A Legislative Council can be created in a state under Article 169.

Abolition

The Legislative Assembly cannot be abolished as a separate House while a State Legislature exists.

The Legislative Council can be abolished under Article 169.

Role of State Assembly in Creation/Abolition

The State Assembly must pass the required resolution for creation or abolition of a Legislative Council.

Its own existence can therefore depend on a constitutional process involving the State Assembly and Parliament.

Required Resolution for Council

The Assembly must pass the resolution by a majority of total membership and two-thirds of members present and voting.

This process is used for the creation or abolition of the Legislative Council.

Governor’s Role in Membership

The Governor does not normally nominate members to the Vidhan Sabha.

The Governor nominates one-sixth of the members from persons with special knowledge or practical experience in specified fields.

Political Accountability

Provides the primary forum for holding the elected government accountable.

Provides additional scrutiny but does not determine the survival of the government.