29-03-2023
GS-II
Sub-Categories:
GS-II: Polity
Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc
Mains: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these
What is the Indian Parliament?
The Indian Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India at the union level. Part V of the Indian constitution deals with the organization, composition, duration, officers, procedures, powers, privileges and so on of the Indian Parliament in Articles 79 to 122.
What does the Indian Parliament comprise?
Under the Indian constitution, the parliament of India consists of three parts viz, the President, the Council of States (Rajya sabha) and the House of the people (Lok sabha).
Why is the President an integral part of the Parliament?
The President is not a member of any house but an integral part of the Parliament because
- Without the President's assent, a bill that has been passed by both houses of Parliament cannot be enacted into law.
- The President has the power to summon or prorogue the two huses of Parliament and to address both houses.
- The President addresses the parliament at the commencement of the first session after each general election and the first session of each year.
- The President has the power to issue ordinances when Parliament is not in session. s
Bicameral Legislature
The significance of a bicameral legislature in India lies in the fact that the parliamentary system has to deal with complex issue of administering and adequately responding to the tremendous diversity prevalent within Indian polity. Indian Bicamerlism divides the Indian Parliament into two houses: the Council of States (Rajya sabha) and the House of the people (Lok sabha).
Features |
Lok Sabha |
Rajya Sabha |
Composition |
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Duration and dissolution |
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Qualifications of members |
Article 84:
Representation of People Act, 1951:
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Article 84:
Representation of People Act 1951:
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Disqualifications under the Constitution and RPA |
Article 102(1): A person can be disqualified for
Article 102(2):
Representation of People’s Act, 1951:
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Disqualification for defection |
Under the Anti-defection Act, 1985, a person can be disqualified if the person:
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Vacation of seat |
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Presiding officers |
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The panel of Chairpersons and Vice- chairpersons |
Panel of chairpersons of Lok sabha:
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Panel of vice-chairpersons of Rajya sabha:
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Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Mains
Q) Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible.(2020)
Q) ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (2017)
Prelims
Q) With reference to Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, consider the following statements:(2022)
- As per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the election of Deputy Speaker shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix.
- There is a mandatory provision that the election of a candidate as Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha shall be from either the principal opposition party or the ruling party.
- The Deputy Speaker has the same power as of the Speaker when presiding over the sitting of the House and no appeal lies against his rulings.
- The well established parliamentary practice regarding the appointment of Deputy Speaker is that the motion is moved by the Speaker and duly seconded by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- 3 and 4 only
- 2 and 4 only
Q) Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in (2021)
- the matter of creating new All India Services
- amending the Constitution
- the removal of the government
- making cut motions
Q) Consider the following statements:(2017)
- In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate must get at least 50 percent of the votes polled, to be declared elected.
- According to the provisions laid down in the Constitution of India, in Lok Sabha, the Speaker’s post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker’s to the Opposition.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
- For election to the Lok Sabha, a nomination paper can be filed by
- anyone residing in India.
- a resident of the constituency from which the election is to be contested.
- any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.
- any citizen of India.
Q) Consider the following statements :(2016)
- The Rajya Sabha has no power either to reject or to amend a Money Bill
- The Rajya Sabha cannot vote on the Demands for Grants.
- The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the Annual Financial Statement.
Which of the statements given above is/are correctly?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Q) Consider the following statements:(2013)
- The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
- While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q) What is Anti defection law?
The 52nd amendment act of 1985 added the Tenth Schedule to the constitution, also known as the anti-defection law, to prevent political defections. It resulted in the introduction of the new word 'Political Party' in the Constitution of India.
Q) What is a joint sitting of the Parliament?
A joint sitting of Parliament is a rare occurrence when both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha meet together to resolve a deadlock. In a joint sitting, the members of both houses sit together and vote on a particular bill or legislative proposal.