📖 Introduction

India is a democratic republic, which means the power to govern comes from the people. The Parliament of India (also called the Union Legislature) is the supreme law-making body of our country. It is located in New Delhi and is a symbol of our democracy.

How is Parliament Made Up?

According to Article 79 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament of India consists of three parts:

🏛️ PART A: The Lok Sabha (House of the People)

The Lok Sabha is called the "House of the People" because its members are directly elected by the citizens of India through general elections. It is the Lower House of Parliament and is considered the more powerful of the two Houses.

1. Composition of the Lok Sabha

Category of Members	Maximum Number	How They Become Members
Representatives from States	530	Directly elected by voters of each state
Representatives from Union Territories	20	Directly elected by voters of UTs
Anglo-Indian Nominees (Abolished)	2 (Now 0)	Previously nominated by the President; abolished by 104th Amendment, 2020
Total Maximum Strength	552	—
Current Strength (2024)	543	Elected members currently

2. Term (Duration) of the Lok Sabha

• The normal term of the Lok Sabha is 5 years from the date of its first sitting after a general election.
• The President can dissolve the Lok Sabha before the completion of its term, on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• During a National Emergency (Article 352), the term of the Lok Sabha can be extended by one year at a time by an Act of Parliament.
• However, elections must be held within 6 months after the emergency ends.

3. Qualifications for Membership of Lok Sabha

To be elected as a member of the Lok Sabha (MP), a person must:

• Be a citizen of India.
• Be at least 25 years of age.
• Be a registered voter in any constituency in India.
• NOT hold any office of profit under the Union or State Government.
• NOT be of unsound mind (declared so by a competent court).
• NOT be an undischarged insolvent (bankrupt).
• NOT be disqualified under any law made by Parliament.

4. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha

The Speaker is the presiding officer (chairperson) of the Lok Sabha. The Speaker is elected by the Lok Sabha members from among themselves, right after a new Lok Sabha is constituted.

How is the Speaker Elected?

• The Speaker is elected by a simple majority of members of the Lok Sabha present and voting.
• A Deputy Speaker is also elected in the same manner to assist the Speaker.

How is the Speaker Removed?

• The Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha (not just those present and voting).
• A 14-day advance notice must be given before such a resolution is moved.
• During the period when such a motion is being considered, the Speaker may continue to preside but does not have a casting vote.
• In practice, the Deputy Speaker presides over the House when the Speaker's removal is being debated.

Functions and Powers of the Speaker

• Presides over Lok Sabha sessions — maintains order and decorum in the House.
• Certifies Money Bills — The Speaker decides whether a bill is a Money Bill or not, and this decision is final and binding.
• Conducts voting on motions and bills; casts a casting vote in case of a tie.
• Decides on questions of disqualification of members (e.g., defection cases under the 10th Schedule).
• Presides over joint sittings of both Houses of Parliament.
• Grants permission for important motions like Adjournment Motion and No-Confidence Motion.
• Controls the admission of Strangers (visitors) to the House.

🏛️ PART B: The Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

The Rajya Sabha, also called the "Council of States", is the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. It represents the interests of the States and Union Territories of India at the national level.

1. Composition of the Rajya Sabha

Category of Members	Maximum Number	How They Become Members
Elected by State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs)	238	By indirect election using proportional representation with single transferable vote
Nominated by the President	12	For expertise in literature, science, art, social service
Total Maximum Strength	250	—
Current Strength (2024)	245	Functioning strength

2. Term and Permanence of the Rajya Sabha

• The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body — it can NEVER be dissolved.
• Each Rajya Sabha member has a term of 6 years.
• One-third (1/3) of its total members retire every 2 years, so continuity is always maintained.
• This ensures that there is always an experienced body at the Centre even during general elections of the Lok Sabha.

3. Qualifications for Membership of Rajya Sabha

• Be a citizen of India.
• Be at least 30 years of age.
• Be a registered voter in a state (no more mandatory to be a voter of the specific state they represent — changed by law in 2003).
• NOT hold any office of profit.
• NOT be of unsound mind.
• NOT be an undischarged insolvent.

4. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha

• The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio (by virtue of office) Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• The Rajya Sabha also elects a Deputy Chairman from among its own members.
• When the Vice-President is absent or when the Vice-President's office is vacant, the Deputy Chairman presides over the Rajya Sabha.

📊 Lok Sabha vs. Rajya Sabha – Quick Comparison

Feature	Lok Sabha (Lower House)	Rajya Sabha (Upper House)
Also called	House of the People	Council of States
Total Strength	552 (max); 543 (current)	250 (max); 245 (current)
How Elected	Directly by citizens (voters)	Indirectly by MLAs of state assemblies (+ 12 nominated)
Minimum Age	25 years	30 years
Term	5 years (can be dissolved)	6 years per member (permanent body)
Can it be dissolved?	Yes, by the President	No, it is permanent
Presiding Officer	Speaker (elected from members)	Chairman = Vice-President (ex-officio)
Money Bills	Can introduce and pass Money Bills	Cannot introduce; can only give recommendations
No-Confidence Motion	Can pass (removes the government)	Cannot introduce No-Confidence Motion

⚙️ PART C: Parliamentary Procedures

The Parliament follows specific procedures and practices in its day-to-day working. These are important for maintaining democracy and accountability.

1. Sessions

• The Parliament meets in three sessions every year:
  • Budget Session (February – May) – most important; Union Budget is presented.
  • Monsoon Session (July – August)
  • Winter Session (November – December)
• The President summons both Houses to meet for a session.
• There must be a gap of not more than 6 months between two sessions.
• The President can also prorogue (end a session) a House.

2. Quorum

• A quorum is the minimum number of members that must be present for the House to conduct any business.
• The quorum for both Houses is 1/10th (one-tenth) of the total membership of that House.
• For Lok Sabha: 1/10 × 543 = approximately 55 members.
• For Rajya Sabha: 1/10 × 245 = approximately 25 members.

3. Question Hour

• The first hour of every parliamentary sitting is called Question Hour.
• During Question Hour, members of Parliament ask questions to Ministers about government policies, administration, and public matters.
• This is an important tool by which Parliament keeps the executive accountable.
• Types of Questions:
  • Starred Questions (*) – Require an oral answer; the MP can ask supplementary questions.
  • Unstarred Questions – Require a written answer only.
  • Short Notice Questions – Asked with less than 10 days' notice on urgent matters.

4. Zero Hour

• Zero Hour is NOT mentioned in the Constitution — it is an informal parliamentary convention that has evolved since 1962.
• Any member may stand up and raise an urgent matter without prior notice — making it spontaneous unlike Question Hour.
• It gives MPs a platform to highlight immediate national concerns such as natural disasters, sudden policy changes, or international crises.
• Observed in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

5. Adjournment Motion

• An Adjournment Motion is a motion to interrupt the normal business of the House to discuss a matter of urgent public importance.
• It can only be moved in the Lok Sabha.
• The Speaker must give permission to move an Adjournment Motion.
• At least 50 members must support the motion for it to be admitted.
• If the motion is passed, it implies censure of the government.

6. No-Confidence Motion

• A No-Confidence Motion is a motion expressing that the Lok Sabha has no confidence in the Council of Ministers (the Cabinet).
• It can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, NOT in the Rajya Sabha.
• It requires the support of at least 50 members to be admitted.
• If the motion is passed by a simple majority, the Prime Minister and the entire Council of Ministers must resign.
• This is one of the most powerful weapons of the Lok Sabha to control the executive.

🚫 PART C-ii: The Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule)

When is a Member Disqualified for Defection?

• If a member voluntarily gives up the membership of the political party they were elected on.
• If a member votes against the direction (whip) of their party in the legislature, or abstains from voting against party instructions.
• If a nominated member joins a political party after 6 months of being nominated.

Exception (Merger Rule)

• Defection does NOT apply if at least 2/3rd of the members of a legislative party merge with another party. This is allowed as a legitimate merger.

Who Decides Disqualification Cases?

• In the Lok Sabha — the Speaker.
• In the Rajya Sabha — the Chairman (Vice-President).
• Their decision is final and cannot be questioned in courts immediately (though subject to judicial review after the decision).

📜 PART C-iii: Passing of Bills

Parliament passes different types of bills. The most important distinction is between an Ordinary Bill and a Money Bill.

A. Passing of an Ordinary Bill

An Ordinary Bill can be introduced in either House of Parliament. The stages of passing are:

• First Reading: The Bill is introduced; its title is read out. No discussion.
• Second Reading: Principles and clauses of the Bill are discussed in detail. Often referred to a Select Committee or Joint Committee at this stage.
• Third Reading: Final vote on the Bill. Only minor amendments are allowed. Passed by a simple majority.
• Sent to the Other House: The other House also considers it through the same three readings.
• Presidential Assent: Once both Houses pass the Bill, it is sent to the President for assent. On receiving assent, the Bill becomes a law (Act).
• If Deadlock: If the two Houses disagree, the President may call a Joint Sitting to resolve it (presided by the Speaker).

B. Passing of a Money Bill

• A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha — the Rajya Sabha cannot introduce or reject it.
• After the Lok Sabha passes it, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha must return it within 14 days with or without recommendations.
• The Lok Sabha may accept or reject the Rajya Sabha's recommendations. Either way, the Bill is considered passed by both Houses.
• The Speaker certifies whether a Bill is a Money Bill — this decision is final.

Feature	Ordinary Bill	Money Bill
Introduction	Either House	Only Lok Sabha
Rajya Sabha power	Can amend, reject, hold for 6 months	Can only recommend (within 14 days); cannot reject
Joint Sitting	Can be called if deadlock	No Joint Sitting possible
Examples	Criminal Law Bill, education bill	Union Budget, tax bills

⚖️ PART D: Powers and Functions of the Union Parliament

The Parliament exercises vast and wide-ranging powers across different areas of governance.

1. Legislative Powers (Law-Making Powers)

Parliament makes laws on subjects listed in the Constitution. India has three lists of subjects:

List	Who Can Make Laws?	Examples
Union List (97 subjects)	Only Parliament	Defence, Foreign Affairs, Currency, Railways, Atomic Energy
State List (66 subjects)	Normally State Legislatures; Parliament in special circumstances	Police, Public Health, Agriculture, Local Government
Concurrent List (47 subjects)	Both Parliament and States; Parliament's law prevails in conflict	Education, Forests, Marriage & Divorce, Criminal Law
Residuary Powers (Not in any list)	Only Parliament	Cyber crimes, New technologies (internet)

When Can Parliament Make Laws on State List Subjects?

• If Rajya Sabha passes a resolution (by 2/3rd majority) that the subject is of national importance.
• If two or more States request Parliament to legislate on that subject.
• During a National Emergency (Article 352).
• To give effect to international treaties and agreements.

2. Financial Powers

• Money Bills: Can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. After being passed by the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha must return it within 14 days with or without recommendations. The Lok Sabha can accept or reject the Rajya Sabha's suggestions. The Lok Sabha's decision is final.
• Union Budget: The annual budget of the country is presented in Parliament and must be approved by it.
• Consolidated Fund of India: No money can be withdrawn from this fund without Parliament's approval.
• Parliament scrutinizes government expenditure through committees like the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

3. Judicial Powers

• Parliament can impeach the President for violation of the Constitution (Article 61). Both Houses must pass the impeachment by a 2/3rd majority.
• Can recommend the removal of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts by an address passed by both Houses separately.
• Can recommend removal of the Chief Election Commissioner and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
• Can punish its own members and others for breach of privilege.

4. Electoral Powers

• Elected members of both Houses of Parliament, along with State Legislative Assemblies, elect the President of India.
• Both Houses of Parliament (all members, elected and nominated) elect the Vice-President of India.
• The Lok Sabha elects its own Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
• The Rajya Sabha elects its own Deputy Chairman.

5. Constitutional Amendment Powers

• Parliament alone has the power to amend the Constitution (Article 368).
• A constitutional amendment bill must be passed by each House separately (no joint sitting).
• It must be approved by:
  • A majority of total membership of each House, AND
  • A 2/3rd majority of members present and voting.
• Some amendments also require ratification by at least half the State Legislatures.

6. Control over the Executive (Council of Ministers)

• Parliament keeps a close watch over the government through various methods:
  • Question Hour – Ministers answer questions.
  • Adjournment Motion – To discuss urgent issues.
  • Calling Attention Motion – To draw attention to urgent matters.
  • Cut Motions – On the Budget, to reduce government expenditure.
  • No-Confidence Motion – To remove the government.
• The Council of Ministers (Cabinet) is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

⭐ PART E: Exclusive Powers of Each House

While Parliament works mostly as one body, there are some powers that belong exclusively to one House:

Exclusive Powers of LOK SABHA	Exclusive Powers of RAJYA SABHA
Can introduce Money Bills (Rajya Sabha cannot)	Can pass a resolution to let Parliament make laws on State List subjects (Article 249)
Can pass a No-Confidence Motion against the government	Can pass a resolution to create new All-India Services (Article 312)
In case of a deadlock in a Joint Sitting, Lok Sabha's majority prevails (due to larger size)	Cannot be dissolved — provides continuity even when Lok Sabha is dissolved

🤝 PART F: Joint Sitting of Both Houses

• When there is a deadlock between the two Houses on any ordinary bill, the President can summon a Joint Sitting of both Houses.
• A Joint Sitting is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
• In a Joint Sitting, the decision is by a simple majority of members present and voting.
• Since the Lok Sabha has more members than the Rajya Sabha, the Lok Sabha's will generally prevails.
• Important: A Joint Sitting CANNOT be held for:
  • Money Bills
  • Constitutional Amendment Bills

📝 Quick Revision – Important Facts

Topic	Key Fact
Parliament =	President + Rajya Sabha + Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha max strength	552 members (currently 543)
Rajya Sabha max strength	250 members (12 nominated by President)
Lok Sabha term	5 years (can be dissolved)
Rajya Sabha	Permanent; 6-year term per member; 1/3 retire every 2 years
Lok Sabha min. age	25 years
Rajya Sabha min. age	30 years
Lok Sabha Speaker	Elected from Lok Sabha members
Rajya Sabha Chairman	Vice-President of India (ex-officio)
Money Bill	Only in Lok Sabha; Rajya Sabha returns in 14 days
No-Confidence Motion	Only in Lok Sabha
Quorum	1/10th of total membership of each House
Question Hour	First hour of every sitting
Joint Sitting chairman	Speaker of Lok Sabha
Note	Joint Sitting NOT for Money Bills / Constitutional Amendments
Rajya Sabha exclusive power	Article 249 (State List) & Article 312 (All-India Services)