ThinkRankLearn. Share. Grow.

0

L1

Courses upsc indian polity

indian polity

The Parliament: Functioning, Bills & Committees

Dive into the mechanics of the Indian Parliament. Focus on the legislative process, the specific powers of Rajya Sabha versus Lok Sabha, and accountability tools.

Learning Objectives

•Distinguish between the procedural journeys of Ordinary, Money, and Constitutional Amendment bills
•Evaluate the federal significance of the Rajya Sabha's exclusive powers
•Understand the role of Parliamentary Committees in executive accountability

Detailed Analysis

Parliament is the supreme legislative body, but unlike the UK, it is not sovereign due to a written Constitution and Judicial Review. A major analytical theme is the bicameral structure. While the Lok Sabha represents the people, the Rajya Sabha represents state interests (federalism). Though the Lok Sabha is financially dominant (sole power over Money Bills under Art 110 and approving the budget), the Rajya Sabha has vital exclusive powers: authorizing Parliament to legislate on a State List subject (Art 249) and creating new All-India Services (Art 312). The legislative process differentiates heavily between Ordinary, Money, Financial, and Constitutional Amendment bills. A Joint Sitting (Art 108) is only available for Ordinary and Financial Bills to resolve deadlocks, not for Money or Amendment bills. Furthermore, Parliament's role extends beyond law-making to holding the executive accountable through devices like Question Hour, Zero Hour, Adjournment Motions, and a robust Parliamentary Committee system (like the PAC), which acts as a year-round mini-legislature ensuring detailed scrutiny.

UPSC Mains Corner

HIGH YIELD

" 'The Rajya Sabha is often seen as a secondary house, but it plays a crucial federal and revising role.' Analyze the exclusive powers and relevance of the Rajya Sabha. "

Suggested Approach:

1. Introduction: Define Rajya Sabha as the upper house representing state interests in a federal polity. 2. Address its limitations: Cannot initiate or reject Money Bills, no Say in No-Confidence, numerical disadvantage in Joint Sittings. 3. Argue for its relevance: Acts as a check on hasty legislation (revising chamber) and provides representation to states. 4. Detail its EXCLUSIVE powers: Article 249 (legislate on State list), Article 312 (create All India Services), and role in approving Emergency if Lok Sabha is dissolved. 5. Conclusion: It is not just an ornamental second chamber but a fundamental pillar of cooperative federalism.

Prelims Pulse

Article 110 (Money Bill)

Contains ONLY provisions related to taxation, borrowing, or Consolidated/Contingency funds. Certified by the Speaker (final decision).

Rajya Sabha's role in Money Bills

Can only delay it for 14 days; cannot reject or amend it.

Article 108 (Joint Sitting)

Called by President, presided over by Speaker to resolve deadlocks on Ordinary or Financial Bills. NEVER for Money or Amendment bills.

Article 249

Exclusive Rajya Sabha power: Allows Parliament to legislate on a State List subject if deemed necessary in the national interest (requires 2/3rd majority).

Article 312

Exclusive Rajya Sabha power: Authorization to create a new All-India Service.

Question Hour

First hour of a sitting. Starred questions require oral answers (supplementary questions allowed); Unstarred require written answers.

Zero Hour

An Indian parliamentary innovation (not in rules). Starts immediately after Question Hour; members raise matters without prior notice.

Public Accounts Committee

Examines CAG reports. Has 22 members (15 LS, 7 RS). Chairman is traditionally from the Opposition.

Estimates Committee

Largest committee (30 members, ALL from Lok Sabha). Suggests alternative policies for economy in administration.

Adjournment Motion

Introduced only in Lok Sabha to draw attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance; implies censure of the government.

Key Concepts

Sovereignty vs Supremacy

The British Parliament is sovereign (can make/unmake any law). The Indian Parliament operates under Constitutional Supremacy—laws are subject to judicial review and basic structure limits.

Terminology

BicameralismMoney BillFinancial BillJoint SittingSpeakerQuestion HourZero HourCensure MotionNo-Confidence MotionWhipQuorumProrogationDissolutionLame-duck Session

Historical Insight

Speaker's Certification

If a dispute arises on whether a bill is a Money Bill (e.g., the Aadhaar Bill controversy), the Speaker's decision is final and cannot be questioned in court or Parliament.

Quick Check

?

Can a Joint Sitting be called for a Constitutional Amendment Bill?

?

Which committee consists exclusively of Lok Sabha members?