Parliament of India — TNPSC Group II/IIA Polity
Overview
Parliament (Articles 79–122) is the supreme legislative body of India. It consists of the President, Lok Sabha (Lower House), and Rajya Sabha (Upper House). For TNPSC Group 2/2A, master the composition of both houses, types of bills, parliamentary procedures, and the powers of each house.
Structure of Parliament
Parliament of India
├── President
├── Rajya Sabha (Upper House / Council of States)
└── Lok Sabha (Lower House / House of the People)
Lok Sabha (House of the People)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Article | Article 81 |
| Maximum strength | 552 (530 states + 20 UTs + 2 Anglo-Indian nominated — now removed) |
| Current strength | 543 elected seats |
| Elected by | Direct election by voters (First Past the Post system) |
| Term | 5 years (can be dissolved earlier) |
| Minimum age | 25 years |
| Presided by | Speaker (Deputy Speaker in absence) |
| Current speaker | Om Birla (18th Lok Sabha, 2024) |
| Can be dissolved | Yes — by President on advice of PM |
| Quorum | 1/10th of total membership = 55 members |
Powers of Lok Sabha over Rajya Sabha
- Money Bills can only be introduced in Lok Sabha
- Rajya Sabha can only suggest (not amend) Money Bills
- In Joint Sitting, Lok Sabha's larger membership usually prevails
- Vote of No-Confidence can be moved only in Lok Sabha
Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Article | Article 80 |
| Maximum strength | 250 (238 elected + 12 nominated) |
| Current strength | 245 |
| Elected by | Indirect — by elected members of State Legislative Assemblies (proportional representation) |
| Nominated | 12 by President — expertise in literature, science, art, social service |
| Term | 6 years; 1/3rd retire every 2 years |
| Minimum age | 30 years |
| Presided by | Vice-President (ex-officio Chairman); Deputy Chairman elected by members |
| Can be dissolved | No — permanent house; never dissolved |
| Quorum | 1/10th = 25 members |
Special Powers of Rajya Sabha
- Article 249: Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution to make law on a State List subject (2/3rd majority)
- Article 312: Rajya Sabha can create new All India Services
- Can initiate bills (except Money Bills)
Parliamentary Sessions
| Session | Period | Key Business |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Session | February–May | Most important; Union Budget presented |
| Monsoon Session | July–August | General legislation |
| Winter Session | November–December | Legislation; Private Member Bills |
Key terms:
- Prorogation: Termination of a session (not dissolution)
- Adjournment: Temporary suspension during a session
- Dissolution: End of Lok Sabha's term; all pending bills lapse (except Rajya Sabha bills)
- Joint Sitting (Article 108): Called when both houses disagree on a bill; presided by Lok Sabha Speaker
Types of Bills in Parliament
1. Ordinary Bill
- Can be introduced in either house
- Must be passed by both houses separately (simple majority)
- In case of deadlock, President can call Joint Sitting
- If Joint Sitting passes the bill, it becomes law
2. Money Bill (Article 110)
- Only in Lok Sabha — Rajya Sabha cannot introduce it
- Deals with: taxes, borrowing, Consolidated Fund/Contingency Fund
- Speaker of Lok Sabha certifies it as Money Bill
- Rajya Sabha can suggest amendments within 14 days (not binding on Lok Sabha)
- If Rajya Sabha doesn't return within 14 days, deemed passed by both houses
3. Financial Bill
- Two types:
- Financial Bill (I): Contains some Money Bill provisions + other matters; more flexible
- Financial Bill (II): Related to Consolidated Fund; must be introduced in Lok Sabha but RS can amend
4. Constitutional Amendment Bill (Article 368)
- Must be passed by special majority: 2/3rd of members present and voting + majority of total membership
- Some provisions also require ratification by half the states
- Cannot be introduced as Money Bill
- No Joint Sitting for Constitutional Amendment Bills
Legislative Procedure
Stages of an Ordinary Bill
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| First Reading | Introduction; title read |
| Second Reading | Detailed consideration — Committee stage |
| Committee Stage | Scrutiny by Standing Committee or Select Committee |
| Third Reading | Final vote on bill as a whole |
| Other House | Repeats same stages |
| President's Assent | Bill becomes Act |
Parliamentary Procedures
Question Hour (11 AM – 12 PM)
- Starred Questions: Oral answers; supplementary questions allowed; oral question (marked with *)
- Unstarred Questions: Written answers only; no supplementary questions
- Short Notice Questions: Urgent questions with less than 10 days' notice
Zero Hour (12 PM onwards)
- Not in Rules of Procedure; informal convention
- MPs raise urgent matters of public importance
- No prior notice required
Motions
| Motion | Purpose |
|---|---|
| No-Confidence Motion | Against Council of Ministers; only in Lok Sabha; if passed, government falls |
| Adjournment Motion | To discuss urgent specific matter of public importance; suspends normal business |
| Censure Motion | Against specific ministers; can be moved in either house |
| Calling Attention Motion | Draws Minister's attention to urgent public matter |
| Cut Motion | Demands reduction in amount in Appropriation Bill; only in Lok Sabha |
Committees
| Committee | Function |
|---|---|
| Public Accounts Committee | Examines audited accounts; oldest committee |
| Estimates Committee | Examines budget estimates |
| Public Undertakings Committee | Examines public sector undertakings |
| Standing Committees | Department-related committees (24 each for finance, external affairs, etc.) |
| Joint Select Committee | Ad-hoc; scrutinises a specific bill |
Special Powers and Articles
| Article | Power |
|---|---|
| Article 100 | Simple majority for passing bills (except CABs) |
| Article 108 | Joint Sitting in case of deadlock |
| Article 109 | Special procedure for Money Bills |
| Article 110 | Definition of Money Bill |
| Article 111 | President's assent or withholding |
| Article 112 | Annual Financial Statement (Budget) |
| Article 116 | Vote on Account (spending before Budget passed) |
| Article 122 | Courts cannot question parliamentary proceedings |
Key Facts for TNPSC Group II/IIA
- Lok Sabha: Maximum 552; current 543 elected; term 5 years; direct election; minimum age 25
- Rajya Sabha: Maximum 250; current 245; permanent body (never dissolved); indirect election; minimum age 30
- 12 nominated to Rajya Sabha by President for expertise in art, literature, science, social service
- Rajya Sabha can create new All India Services and pass resolution on State List (Article 312 and 249)
- Money Bill: Only in Lok Sabha; Speaker certifies; Rajya Sabha can only suggest (within 14 days)
- Joint Sitting: Called when houses deadlock on ordinary bill; presided by Lok Sabha Speaker
- No Joint Sitting for Money Bills and Constitutional Amendment Bills
- Question Hour: 11 AM–12 PM; Starred (oral), Unstarred (written), Short Notice
- Zero Hour: After 12 PM; informal; urgent matters without notice
- No-Confidence Motion: Only in Lok Sabha; if passed, government must resign
Previous Year MCQ Patterns
Q: A Money Bill in the Indian Parliament can be introduced only in: a) Rajya Sabha b) Either House c) Lok Sabha d) Joint Session
Q: The minimum age requirement for membership of Rajya Sabha is: a) 21 years b) 25 years c) 30 years d) 35 years
Q: Question Hour in the Indian Parliament is held at: a) 10 AM–11 AM b) 11 AM–12 PM c) 12 PM–1 PM d) 2 PM–3 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Lok Sabha (House of the People): Maximum 552 members — 530 from states, 20 from UTs, and 2 Anglo-Indians (now removed by 104th Amendment 2020). Current strength: 543 elected members. Rajya Sabha (Council of States): Maximum 250 members — 238 elected from states/UTs, 12 nominated by President for expertise. Current strength: 245.