What is the supreme legislative body of the Government of the Republic of India?

The supreme legislative body of the Government of the Republic of India is the Parliament of India, known in ISO 15919 transliteration as Bhāratīya Saṁsada. It is responsible for making laws for the country.

What type of legislature does the Parliament of India constitute?

The Parliament of India is a bicameral legislature, meaning it is composed of two houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).

Who holds the power to summon, prorogue, or dissolve either house of Parliament, and under what conditions?

The President of the Republic of India has the power to summon, prorogue either house of Parliament, or dissolve the Lok Sabha. However, these powers can only be exercised upon the advice of the Prime Minister of India and the Union Council of Ministers.

What are individuals elected or nominated to either house of the Indian Parliament referred to as?

Individuals elected or nominated to either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha are referred to as members of Parliament (MPs).

How are members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elected?

Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha are directly elected by Indian citizens through voting in single-member districts. Members of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the members of state legislative assemblies using proportional representation.

What is the total sanctioned strength of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated members?

The Parliament has a sanctioned strength of 543 members in the Lok Sabha and 245 members in the Rajya Sabha. This total includes 12 members nominated by the President for their expertise in literature, art, science, and social service.

Where does the Parliament of India convene its sessions?

The Parliament of India meets at Sansad Bhavan in New Delhi.

How does the Indian Parliament's electorate size compare globally?

The Parliament of India represents the largest democratic electorate in the world, with 968 million eligible voters recorded in 2024. The second largest is the European Parliament.

When was the new Parliament Building (Sansad Bhavan) inaugurated?

The new Parliament Building, also known as Sansad Bhavan, was inaugurated on May 28, 2023.

What was the legislative body in India during British rule before the establishment of the current Parliament?

During British rule, the legislative branch was the Imperial Legislative Council, established by the Indian Councils Act of 1861 and disbanded in 1947 upon India's independence.

What body was responsible for drafting India's Constitution after independence?

Following independence, the Constituent Assembly of India was elected to draft the Constitution of India. It was disbanded in 1950 when the constitution came into effect.

Who designed the Old Parliament House, now known as Samvidhan Sadan?

The Old Parliament House, Samvidhan Sadan, was designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, who were also responsible for the overall planning and construction of New Delhi.

When was the Old Parliament House opened, and by whom?

The construction of the Old Parliament House took six years, and its opening ceremony was performed on January 18, 1927, by Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy and Governor-General of India.

What was the construction cost of the Old Parliament House?

The construction cost for the Old Parliament House was approximately ₹8.3 million (equivalent to US$98,000 at the time).

What significant historical events occurred in the Central Hall of the Old Parliament House?

The Central Hall of the Old Parliament House is historically significant as it was where the Indian Constitution was framed. It was converted and refurbished into the Constituent Assembly Hall in 1946.

What were the primary reasons for constructing a new Parliament building?

The old Parliament building, an 85-year-old structure, suffered from inadequacy of space for members and staff, potential structural issues, and needed protection due to its heritage status, prompting the construction of a new, modern facility.

What are the seating capacities of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha halls in the new Parliament building?

The new Parliament building's Lok Sabha Hall can accommodate up to 888 members, expandable to 1,272 for joint sessions. The Rajya Sabha Hall is designed to seat up to 384 members.

What themes inspired the design of the new Parliament building's chambers?

The Lok Sabha Hall in the new Parliament building draws inspiration from India's national bird, the peacock, while the Rajya Sabha Hall is designed with a lotus theme, reflecting India's national flower.

When was the foundation stone laid for the new Parliament building?

The foundation stone for the new Parliament building was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 10, 2020.

What was the estimated cost of the new Parliament building?

The estimated cost for the new Parliament building was ₹9.71 billion.

When did the first session of Parliament take place in the new building?

The first session in the New Parliament building commenced on September 19, 2023.

How is the President of India involved in the legislative process according to the Constitution?

The President of India is a component of Parliament. The Constitution mandates that the President ensures laws passed by Parliament adhere to constitutional provisions and follows stipulated procedures before granting assent to bills.

What is the maximum number of members the Lok Sabha can have, and how are seats distributed?

The Constitution provides for a maximum strength of 550 members in the Lok Sabha. The seats are distributed among states based on their population, aiming for a consistent ratio between seats and population across states.

What constitutional amendment abolished the nomination of Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha?

The nomination of Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha was abolished in January 2020 by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.

What are the eligibility requirements for becoming a member of the Lok Sabha?

To be eligible for Lok Sabha membership, a person must be a citizen of India, at least 25 years old, mentally sound, not bankrupt, not criminally convicted, and must not hold any office of profit under the union or state government.

How many seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha?

In the Lok Sabha, 84 seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and 47 seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST).

What is the term length for a member of the Rajya Sabha, and how are they elected?

Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years. They are indirectly elected by the elected members of the state legislative assemblies.

How are members of the Rajya Sabha nominated by the President?

The President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha based on their expertise and distinguished service in various fields such as literature, art, science, and social service.

What is the minimum age requirement to be a member of the Rajya Sabha?

A person must be at least 30 years old to be eligible for membership in the Rajya Sabha.

What are the primary legislative powers of the Indian Parliament?

The Parliament's legislative powers include enacting laws on subjects listed in the Union and Concurrent Lists of the Constitution, amending the Constitution with a special majority, and exercising exclusive authority over matters not covered by the Union or State Lists (residuary powers).

What is the Parliament's role in financial matters?

Parliament holds significant financial powers, including the formulation and approval of the Union Budget, the power to levy and collect taxes (like income tax, GST), and control over public expenditure through scrutiny of budgetary allocations.

How does the Parliament exercise executive powers and control over the government?

Parliament exercises executive powers indirectly by holding the Council of Ministers collectively responsible to it. The government must maintain the confidence of the Lok Sabha, and its policies are subject to scrutiny through questions, motions, and votes of no confidence.

What oversight powers does the Parliament possess?

Parliament's oversight powers include the Question Hour for seeking clarifications from ministers, the appointment of committees (like PAC and Estimates Committee) to examine government functions, and the impeachment power against the President, Vice President, and judges.

What is the constitutional requirement regarding the frequency of parliamentary sessions?

The Constitution mandates that there should not be more than a six-month gap between two sessions of Parliament, ensuring that each house meets at least twice a year.

What are the three main sessions of the Indian Parliament held annually?

The Indian Parliament typically conducts three sessions annually: the Budget session (February-May), the Monsoon session (July-August), and the Winter session (November-December).

What is the primary purpose of the Budget session?

The Budget session is the most crucial session, focused on discussing, debating, and passing the annual Union Budget, which outlines the government's fiscal policies and priorities for the upcoming financial year.

How does a bill become an Act of Parliament in India?

A legislative proposal is introduced as a bill in either house. Once passed by both houses of Parliament and assented to by the President, it becomes an Act of Parliament.

What is the specific rule regarding Money Bills in the legislative process?

Money Bills must originate in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha can only propose recommendations on these bills within a period of fourteen days, and its recommendations may or may not be accepted by the Lok Sabha.

What are the two main categories of parliamentary committees in India?

Parliamentary committees are broadly categorized into two types: standing committees, which are permanent and constituted regularly, and ad hoc committees, which are appointed for specific purposes and cease to exist after completing their task.

What fundamental privilege ensures that legislators can openly debate and criticize government policies without fear?

The fundamental parliamentary privilege of freedom of speech and expression allows legislators to articulate their opinions and viewpoints without fear of legal consequences or outside interference, fostering open debate and criticism of government actions.

What does the privilege of immunity from legal action protect Members of Parliament from?

Parliamentary privileges grant lawmakers immunity from civil and criminal proceedings for statements made or actions performed within Parliament or its committees, safeguarding them from legal repercussions for their legislative duties.

What is the purpose of the code of conduct for parliamentarians in India?

The code of conduct aims to uphold principles of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct among parliamentarians, guiding their behavior in areas like financial disclosure, conflict of interest, and respectful discourse.

What specific actions are expected of parliamentarians regarding transparency?

Parliamentarians are expected to disclose their financial interests, including assets, investments, and income sources, and ensure that detailed records of parliamentary proceedings are made publicly available for scrutiny.

What is the Parliament's stance on unparliamentary words?

The Lok Sabha secretariat releases lists of unparliamentary words and expressions. If used during debates, these words are expunged from the official records of Parliament.

When did the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament occur, and which groups were responsible?

The Indian Parliament was attacked on December 13, 2001, by terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

What was the outcome of the 2001 Parliament attack in terms of fatalities?

The 2001 attack resulted in the deaths of five terrorists, six Delhi Police personnel, two Parliament Security Services personnel, and one gardener, totaling 14 fatalities.

What significant geopolitical event followed the 2001 Parliament attack?

The 2001 Parliament attack led to increased tensions between India and Pakistan, culminating in the 2001-02 India-Pakistan standoff.

Describe the 2023 Parliament security breach.

On December 13, 2023, two protestors breached security, entered the Lok Sabha chamber, and released colored smoke canisters. Simultaneously, two others released smoke outside Parliament. The incident involved six protestors in total.

What was the alleged motive behind the 2023 Parliament security breach?

While not officially confirmed by the police, media reports and statements from the accused suggest the protesters aimed to voice their frustration with the government's policies.

Which MP is noted for apprehending an intruder during the 2023 Parliament security breach?

Hanuman Beniwal, founder of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, along with other MPs, apprehended an intruder during the 2023 Parliament security breach.

What happened to MPs who protested the 2023 security breach?

Following the 2023 security breach, several MPs, including Derek O'Brien and 13 from the Congress and DMK parties, were suspended for protesting. Subsequently, 78 more MPs, primarily from the INDIA alliance, were suspended for similar actions.

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Parliamentary Overview

Supreme Legislative Body

The Parliament of India stands as the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India. It operates as a bicameral legislature, comprising two distinct houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). The President of India, acting as the head of the legislature, possesses the authority to summon, prorogue, and dissolve the Lok Sabha, contingent upon the advice tendered by the Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers.

Members of Parliament

Individuals elected or nominated to serve in either house are designated as Members of Parliament (MPs). The members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the citizenry of India, based on universal adult suffrage. Conversely, members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the state legislative assemblies through a system of proportional representation. Collectively, the Parliament represents the largest democratic electorate globally.

Seat of Power

The legislative proceedings of the Parliament are conducted within the hallowed halls of Sansad Bhavan in New Delhi. The inauguration of the New Parliament Building (Sansad Bhavan) on May 28, 2023, marked a significant advancement, offering enhanced capacity and modern facilities, situated adjacent to the historically significant original structure.

Historical Evolution

From Imperial Council to Republic

During the era of British rule, the Imperial Legislative Council, established via the Indian Councils Act of 1861, functioned as the primary legislative entity. Following India's attainment of independence in 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India was convened with the mandate to draft the nation's Constitution. Upon the Constitution's enforcement on January 26, 1950, the Constituent Assembly was dissolved, and its legislative functions were assumed by the Parliament of India.

Foundational Milestones

The Parliament of India officially commenced its operations on January 26, 1950. Prior to this, the Constituent Assembly played an instrumental role in formulating the foundational legal framework of the nation, the Constitution of India, before its legislative responsibilities were transferred to the newly established Parliament.

Architectural Heritage

Old Parliament House (Samvidhan Sadan)

The original Parliament House in New Delhi, designed by renowned architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, was inaugurated in 1927. This iconic circular structure, measuring 170 meters in diameter, was constructed at an approximate cost of ₹8.3 million. It holds profound historical significance, having served as the venue for the deliberations and adoption of the Indian Constitution.

New Parliament Building (Sansad Bhavan)

Inaugurated on May 28, 2023, the new Sansad Bhavan was conceived to address the spatial limitations and structural considerations of the preceding building. This contemporary triangular edifice, encompassing approximately 65,000 square meters of built-up area, features significantly expanded chambers for the Lok Sabha (accommodating up to 888 members, with a joint session capacity of 1,272) and the Rajya Sabha (capacity for up to 384 members). The architectural design thoughtfully incorporates thematic elements inspired by India's national symbols—the peacock motif for the Lok Sabha chamber and the lotus theme for the Rajya Sabha chamber—alongside a dedicated Constitutional Hall.

Legislative Structure

Lok Sabha (House of the People)

The Lok Sabha, often referred to as the lower house, comprises 543 elected members who represent distinct single-member parliamentary constituencies. Eligibility for voting extends to all citizens of India who have attained the age of 18 years. The Lok Sabha has a maximum sanctioned strength of 550 members. Notably, it includes reserved seats: 84 for Scheduled Castes and 47 for Scheduled Tribes. The term of the Lok Sabha is five years, though it may be dissolved earlier.

Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

The Rajya Sabha, functioning as the upper house, is a permanent legislative body, not subject to dissolution. It can accommodate a maximum of 250 members. Currently, its sanctioned strength stands at 245 members, consisting of 233 members elected indirectly by the legislative assemblies of states and union territories, and 12 members nominated by the President based on their expertise in fields such as literature, art, science, and social service. Members serve a six-year term, with one-third retiring biennially. The minimum age requirement for membership is 30 years, and there are no provisions for caste-based reservations.

Parliamentary Authority

Legislative Powers

The Parliament is vested with the authority to enact laws pertaining to subjects enumerated in the Union and Concurrent Lists of the Constitution. Legislative proposals, in the form of bills, must be passed by both houses and receive Presidential assent to become Acts of Parliament. The Parliament also possesses the power to amend the Constitution through a special majority and holds exclusive jurisdiction over residuary powers.

Financial Powers

Crucially, Parliament is responsible for the formulation and approval of the Union Budget. It levies taxes, including income tax, GST, and customs duties, and exercises control over public expenditure. This financial oversight ensures governmental accountability and transparency in the allocation and utilization of national resources.

Executive Powers

The Parliament exercises indirect control over the executive branch through its oversight of the Council of Ministers, which is collectively responsible to it. Members of Parliament engage in scrutiny via Question Hour, motions, and debates. Furthermore, Parliament can remove the government from power through a vote of no confidence, provided it fails to maintain majority support in the Lok Sabha.

Oversight Powers

Parliamentary oversight is maintained through various mechanisms, including Question Hour, where ministers respond to queries. It also appoints specialized committees, such as the Public Accounts Committee and the Estimates Committee, to examine government policies and expenditures. Additionally, Parliament holds the significant power to initiate impeachment proceedings against the President, Vice President, and judges for violations of the Constitution.

Conduct of Business

Annual Sessions

The Parliament typically convenes for three primary sessions each year: the Budget Session (February to May), the Monsoon Session (July to August), and the Winter Session (November to December). The Constitution mandates that no more than a six-month gap should exist between sessions, ensuring regular parliamentary functioning. Special sessions may also be convened to address emergent national issues.

Budget Session: This crucial session focuses on the presentation, discussion, and approval of the annual Union Budget, outlining the government's fiscal policies and priorities.
Monsoon Session: Primarily dedicated to legislative business, this session allows for the introduction and debate of bills, alongside discussions on matters of national importance.
Winter Session: Serving as the final parliamentary session of the year, it involves a review of government performance, legislative discussions, and accountability measures.
Special Sessions: These are convened outside the regular schedule to address specific, urgent national concerns requiring focused deliberation and swift action.

Parliamentary Committees

Specialized Deliberation

Parliamentary committees are integral to the legislative process, formed to undertake detailed examination of specific subjects. These committees facilitate in-depth analysis, enabling members to conduct studies and formulate informed conclusions. They are broadly classified into two main categories:

Standing Committees: These are permanent committees established in accordance with parliamentary acts or procedural rules. Their work is continuous and covers various domains, such as the Estimates Committee, Public Accounts Committee, and departmental standing committees.
Ad Hoc Committees: Appointed for specific purposes or to investigate particular issues, these committees are temporary and cease to exist upon the submission of their final report. Examples include Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) formed to scrutinize specific legislation or address critical national matters.

Legislative Privileges

Safeguarding Functionality

Parliamentary privileges encompass the essential rights and immunities afforded to Members of Parliament and the institution itself, ensuring the effective and independent discharge of legislative duties. These privileges are designed to protect parliamentarians from external interference and legal repercussions, thereby fostering an environment conducive to open debate and robust governance.

Freedom of Speech: Members are guaranteed the liberty to express their opinions and viewpoints within Parliament without fear of legal prosecution or external reprisal.
Immunity from Legal Action: Parliamentarians are protected from civil and criminal proceedings concerning statements made or actions taken during parliamentary proceedings or committee work.
Access to Information: The right to access necessary information from government bodies is granted, enabling MPs to conduct thorough scrutiny and make informed legislative decisions.
Control over Internal Affairs: Parliament possesses the autonomy to regulate its internal proceedings, maintain decorum, and enforce its rules and procedures, ensuring operational independence.
Protection from Arrest: Members are granted immunity from arrest in civil cases during parliamentary sessions, ensuring their availability for legislative duties.

Code of Conduct

Ethical Standards

To uphold principles of transparency, accountability, and ethical governance, Parliamentarians adhere to a defined code of conduct. This framework emphasizes key behavioral standards essential for maintaining public trust and the integrity of the legislative process:

Transparency: Mandates the disclosure of financial interests and ensures public accessibility to parliamentary proceedings for scrutiny.
Conflict of Interest: Requires parliamentarians to avoid situations where personal interests might conflict with public duties, supported by clear guidelines for disclosure and recusal.
Respectful Discourse: Encourages constructive debates, adherence to decorum, and avoidance of personal attacks, fostering a deliberative environment.
Attendance and Participation: Emphasizes commitment through regular attendance and active engagement in parliamentary sessions and committee work.
Responsible Use of Privileges: Stipulates that parliamentary privileges must be exercised ethically and not abused, ensuring they serve their intended purpose of facilitating legislative function.
Accountability: Promotes regular communication with constituents and responsiveness to their concerns, ensuring parliamentarians remain accountable to the electorate.
Prohibition of Corruption: Enforces stringent anti-corruption measures, including asset declaration and adherence to anti-corruption laws, with penalties for misconduct.

Significant Incidents

2001 Parliament Attack

On December 13, 2001, the Parliament complex was targeted in a terrorist attack, resulting in the loss of lives among security personnel and the perpetrators. This incident significantly heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan and prompted a comprehensive review and enhancement of parliamentary security protocols.

2023 Parliament Security Breach

On December 13, 2023, a security breach occurred within the Parliament premises when protestors gained unauthorized access to the Lok Sabha chamber, releasing smoke canisters. This event triggered widespread condemnation, led to investigations into security lapses, and resulted in the suspension of numerous Members of Parliament who were protesting the incident.

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References

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not official government advice. The information provided is not a substitute for consulting official parliamentary documentation or seeking expert advice on legislative matters. Always refer to official sources for the most accurate and current information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Crucible of Governance

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Parliamentary Overview 🏛️

🇮🇳 Supreme Legislative Body

👥 Members of Parliament

📍 Seat of Power

Historical Evolution 📜

⏳ From Imperial Council to Republic

🏛️ Foundational Milestones

Architectural Heritage 🏗️

🏢 Old Parliament House (Samvidhan Sadan)

✨ New Parliament Building (Sansad Bhavan)

Legislative Structure ⚖️

🗣️ Lok Sabha (House of the People)

🏛️ Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

Parliamentary Authority 🔑

📜 Legislative Powers

💰 Financial Powers

🤝 Executive Powers

🔍 Oversight Powers

Conduct of Business 🗓️

📅 Annual Sessions

Parliamentary Committees 👥

🔬 Specialized Deliberation

Legislative Privileges 🛡️

⚖️ Safeguarding Functionality

Code of Conduct ✅

⭐ Ethical Standards

Significant Incidents 🚨

💥 2001 Parliament Attack

⚠️ 2023 Parliament Security Breach

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Parliamentary Overview

Supreme Legislative Body

Members of Parliament

Seat of Power

Historical Evolution

From Imperial Council to Republic

Foundational Milestones

Architectural Heritage

Old Parliament House (Samvidhan Sadan)

New Parliament Building (Sansad Bhavan)

Legislative Structure

Lok Sabha (House of the People)

Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

Parliamentary Authority

Legislative Powers

Financial Powers

Executive Powers

Oversight Powers

Conduct of Business

Annual Sessions

Parliamentary Committees

Specialized Deliberation

Legislative Privileges

Safeguarding Functionality

Code of Conduct

Ethical Standards

Significant Incidents

2001 Parliament Attack

2023 Parliament Security Breach

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice