Parliament of India: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:16, 14 July 2025

Parliament of India (Bharatiya Sansad) is the supreme legislative authority of the Republic of India, established under Part V of the Constitution of India. It is a bicameral legislature, comprising the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). The President of India is also considered an integral part of the Parliament, as per Article 79.^[1]

Structure

The Parliament consists of:

President of India – the constitutional head of the legislature
Rajya Sabha – upper house, representing the states
Lok Sabha – lower house, representing the people

The Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250 members, of which 12 are nominated by the President for their expertise in art, literature, science, and social services. The remaining members are elected by the State Legislative Assemblies.^[2]

The Lok Sabha has a maximum strength of 552 members, directly elected by the people through general elections. The term of the Lok Sabha is five years unless dissolved earlier.^[3]

Functions and Powers

Parliament performs legislative, financial, and oversight functions:

Law-making – Enacts laws on subjects in the Union and Concurrent Lists
Budget and finance – Approves the annual budget and taxation proposals
Oversight – Questions, debates, and motions to hold the executive accountable
Amendments – Can amend the Constitution under Article 368
Impeachment and motions – Can impeach the President or judges and pass no-confidence motions

All bills must be passed by both Houses and receive Presidential assent to become law.

Sessions

The Parliament holds three sessions each year:

Budget Session – February to May
Monsoon Session – July to September
Winter Session – November to December

The President summons each session and can prorogue or dissolve the Lok Sabha.

Historical Background

India’s parliamentary system is largely influenced by the British Parliament. The roots lie in colonial legislatures like the Indian Councils Act 1861 and the Government of India Act 1935. With the enforcement of the Constitution on 26 January 1950, the modern bicameral Parliament was established.^[4]

Importance

The Parliament represents the sovereignty of the people, enacts laws, ensures governance transparency, and upholds constitutional values. It is a symbol of India's democratic ethos and federal structure.

References

[1] ttps://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/COI.pdf

[2] ttps://rajyasabha.nic.in/

[3] ttps://loksabha.nic.in/

[4] ttps://www.india.gov.in/my-government/indian-parliament

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[2]

[3]

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@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 |image=Sansad_Bhavan.jpg
 }}
-{{Infobox legislature
-| name = Parliament of India
-| native_name = [[Bharatiya Sansad]]
-| legislature = [[Federal legislature of India]]
-| coat_of_arms = Emblem_of_India.svg
-| coat_of_arms_caption = Emblem of India
-| house_type = Bicameral
-| houses = [[Rajya Sabha]] (Upper House)<br>[[Lok Sabha]] (Lower House)
-| meeting_place = [[Sansad Bhavan]], New Delhi
-| established = 26 January 1950
-| website = [https://sansad.in sansad.in]
-}}
 '''Parliament of India''' (''Bharatiya Sansad'') is the supreme legislative authority of the [[Republic of India]], established under Part V of the [[Constitution of India]]. It is a bicameral legislature, comprising the [[Rajya Sabha]] (Council of States) and the [[Lok Sabha]] (House of the People). The [[President of India]] is also considered an integral part of the Parliament, as per Article 79.<ref>https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/COI.pdf</ref>
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 == References ==
 <references/>
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