The Parliament and the Legislature
Overview
The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body established under Part V of the Constitution. It consists of the President, Rajya Sabha (Council of States), and Lok Sabha (House of the People). Parliament exercises legislative, financial, executive oversight, and constituent powers. Understanding its composition, powers, sessions, and procedures is critical for UPSC and BPSC examinations, as questions frequently appear on membership numbers, qualifications, special powers, and constitutional articles governing parliamentary functioning.
Typed Notes
Composition and Membership of Parliament
Parliament comprises the President and two Houses. Lok Sabha (Lower House) has 543 elected members; normal term is 5 years, extendable during National Emergency. Rajya Sabha (Upper House) has 245 members currently; one-third members retire every two years, making it a continuing chamber. Qualifications for Lok Sabha membership: Indian citizen, minimum age 25 years. For Rajya Sabha: minimum age 30 years. Disqualifications are listed under Articles 102 and 191, including holding an office of profit, unsound mind, insolvency, or disqualification under Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law).
Sessions, Quorum, and Presiding Officers
Parliament meets in three sessions: Budget Session (Feb–May), Monsoon Session (July–Aug), and Winter Session (Nov–Dec). The gap between two sessions cannot exceed six months (Article 85). Quorum is one-tenth of total membership of each House. Lok Sabha is presided over by the Speaker (elected by members); Deputy Speaker presides in Speaker's absence. Rajya Sabha is presided over by the Vice-President of India who is the ex-officio Chairman. Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha is elected by its members. Speaker's salary is charged to Consolidated Fund of India.
Types of Bills and Legislative Procedure
Bills are classified as Ordinary Bills (Article 107), Money Bills (Article 110), Financial Bills, and Constitution Amendment Bills (Article 368). An Ordinary Bill can originate in either House; if Rajya Sabha rejects or holds it for 6 months, President may call a Joint Sitting. Money Bills originate only in Lok Sabha; Rajya Sabha has 14 days to return it. Constitution Amendment Bills require special majority (2/3rd of members present and voting + majority of total membership) in each House separately; no Joint Sitting is possible for them. Some amendments also need ratification by half the state legislatures.
Parliamentary Committees and Special Powers
Parliamentary Committees aid the functioning of Parliament. Key committees include: Public Accounts Committee (PAC – examines CAG report, chaired by Opposition leader), Estimates Committee (largest committee, 30 members from Lok Sabha only), Committee on Public Undertakings, and Departmentally Related Standing Committees. Rajya Sabha has special powers: it can authorize Parliament to legislate on State List subjects (Article 249) by 2/3rd majority, create new All-India Services (Article 312), and approve Proclamation of National Emergency beyond one month. These powers make Rajya Sabha significant despite being the Upper House.
Key Concepts
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- 01Lok Sabha has maximum 552 members (530 states + 20 UTs + 2 Anglo-Indian nominated, though Anglo-Indian nomination abolished by 104th Amendment 2020); current effective strength is 543 elected seats.
- 02Rajya Sabha has maximum 250 members (238 elected from states/UTs + 12 nominated by President for expertise in art, science, literature, social service); it is a permanent House, never dissolved.
- 03Money Bill (Article 110) can be introduced only in Lok Sabha; Rajya Sabha can only delay it by 14 days, not reject it. Speaker certifies a bill as Money Bill.
- 04Joint Sitting of Parliament (Article 108) is convened by the President and presided over by the Speaker of Lok Sabha to resolve deadlock on ordinary bills (not Money Bill or Constitutional Amendment Bill).
- 05The President addresses both Houses in joint session at the commencement of the first session each year (Article 87) and can send messages to Houses under Article 86.
Questions & Solutions
Pehle khud try karo — phir solution kholo. Yahi tariqa topper banata hai.
What is the maximum strength of Rajya Sabha and who nominates 12 members to it? What special power does Rajya Sabha hold under Article 249?
Distinguish between a Money Bill and an Ordinary Bill with reference to constitutional articles and the role of Rajya Sabha in each.
What is a Joint Sitting of Parliament? When can it be convened and who presides over it? Name one bill that cannot be passed through Joint Sitting.
What are the qualifications and disqualifications for membership of Lok Sabha? Mention the Tenth Schedule and its significance.
Explain the composition and significance of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Estimates Committee of Parliament.
Parliament of India (President + Rajya Sabha + Lok Sabha) is the apex legislative institution under Part V. Lok Sabha has 543 elected seats; Rajya Sabha has 245 members and never dissolves. Money Bills originate only in Lok Sabha; Joint Sitting resolves deadlock on ordinary bills. Constitutional amendments require special majority in each House separately. Parliamentary committees like PAC and Estimates Committee ensure financial accountability and legislative scrutiny.
Chapter-end quiz
4 MCQsOption tap karo — turant pata chalega sahi ya galat, explanation ke saath.
Q1.Under which Article of the Constitution is a Joint Sitting of both Houses of Parliament provided?
Q2.Who among the following is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
Q3.The Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with which of the following?
Q4.Which Parliamentary Committee examines the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India?
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