Introduction
The Lok Sabha, also known as the House of the People, is the lower house of India’s bicameral Parliament, with the Rajya Sabha as its upper counterpart. Established by the Indian Constitution, the Lok Sabha represents the direct voice of the Indian people, with its members elected by citizens across constituencies in India. The Lok Sabha is responsible for making and passing laws, along with debating national policies and issues that affect the country. With a total of 543 elected members and 2 nominated members(Not Anymore), it is the larger of the two parliamentary houses and plays a crucial role in shaping India’s legislative and democratic framework. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are accountable to the Lok Sabha, making it a central element in India’s parliamentary democracy.
Powers and functions of lok sabha
The Lok Sabha holds significant powers and functions that make it a central institution in India’s democratic framework. Here are some of its key powers and functions:
- Legislative Powers: The Lok Sabha plays a primary role in making laws. It can propose and debate bills, and a bill must be approved by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to become law. However, in case of disagreement between the two houses, a joint session may be called, where the Lok Sabha generally has an advantage due to its larger membership.
- Financial Powers: The Lok Sabha has complete control over financial matters, as money bills can only be introduced here. This includes the budget, taxation, and other financial legislation. The Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject money bills; it can only suggest changes, which the Lok Sabha may choose to accept or ignore.
- Control over the Executive: The Lok Sabha holds the executive accountable, including the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, who must have the confidence of the majority of Lok Sabha members. This is ensured through mechanisms like the Question Hour, motions of no confidence, and debates, which allow members to scrutinize the government’s policies and actions.
- Constituent Powers: While the Indian Constitution is generally amended by a joint decision of both houses, the Lok Sabha plays a major role in constitutional amendments. Any significant change to the Constitution, especially those affecting fundamental rights and federal powers, requires the Lok Sabha’s approval.
- Electoral Functions: The Lok Sabha, along with the Rajya Sabha, participates in the election of the President and Vice President of India. Members of the Lok Sabha also take part in selecting the Prime Minister, who must secure the confidence of the house.
- Judicial Functions: The Lok Sabha can play a role in the impeachment of the President, as well as the removal of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, although this requires the consent of both houses.
- Miscellaneous Functions: The Lok Sabha also performs various other roles, such as discussing international treaties and agreements, advising on policy matters, and representing public opinion on national issues.
constitutional provision of lok sabha
The powers of the Lok Sabha are defined and limited by several key provisions within the Indian Constitution. Here are the primary constitutional provisions that outline its powers:
Legislative Powers:
- Article 79-122: These articles provide for the structure and functions of the Parliament, including the Lok Sabha, its composition, and legislative powers.
- Article 107-108: These articles deal with the legislative process in Parliament, including the introduction, passage, and potential resolution of bills through joint sessions in cases of disagreement with the Rajya Sabha.
- Article 245-255: These define the legislative powers of the Union and State legislatures, granting the Lok Sabha authority over Union and Concurrent lists while restricting it from the State list unless in specific circumstances.
Financial Powers:
- Article 110: Defines money bills and restricts their introduction to the Lok Sabha alone. The Rajya Sabha can only suggest amendments, and final decision-making authority rests with the Lok Sabha.
- Article 265: Prohibits the levy or collection of any tax except by the authority of law, underscoring the Lok Sabha’s role in financial legislation.
- Article 112: This article mandates the annual presentation of the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, affirming its power to approve and control government expenditure.
Control over the Executive:
- Article 75(3): Mandates that the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This provision ensures the executive’s accountability and the Lok Sabha’s power to pass a no-confidence motion, which can remove the government.
- Article 88: Grants Lok Sabha members the right to question ministers and seek accountability through mechanisms like the Question Hour and Zero Hour.
Constituent Powers:
- Article 368: Empowers the Lok Sabha, along with the Rajya Sabha, to amend the Constitution. Some constitutional amendments require the Lok Sabha’s approval by a two-thirds majority, particularly those affecting fundamental rights or the federal structure.
Electoral Functions:
- Article 54 and Article 66: These provisions outline the Lok Sabha’s role in the election of the President and Vice President of India, respectively, along with the Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Judicial Powers:
- Article 61: Grants the Lok Sabha the authority to participate in the impeachment process of the President.
- Articles 124 and 217: Outline the Lok Sabha’s role in the removal of Supreme Court and High Court judges through an impeachment process, requiring a majority in both houses.
Miscellaneous Functions:
- Article 352-360: During national emergencies, the Lok Sabha has special powers, including the ability to approve or disapprove emergency proclamations, which significantly impact the functioning of the government and state autonomy.
These constitutional provisions give the Lok Sabha substantial authority in India’s parliamentary democracy, ensuring that it serves as a powerful body in representing the people’s will, enacting laws, and holding the executive accountable. Overall, the Lok Sabha serves as a key institution of accountability and lawmaking, reflecting the democratic voice of the people of India.