Here’s a well-structured and detailed Note on Parliament, suitable for academic use or general
understanding:
Note on Parliament
Introduction
The Parliament is the supreme legislative body in a parliamentary system of government. In
India, the Parliament represents the voice of the people at the national level and holds the highest
position in the legislative hierarchy. It plays a key role in law-making, overseeing the executive,
and upholding democratic governance.
Composition of Indian Parliament
As per Article 79 of the Constitution, the Parliament of India consists of:
1. President of India
2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States – Upper House)
3. Lok Sabha (House of the People – Lower House)
Even though the President is not a member of either House, they form an essential part of
Parliament, especially in the legislative process.
1. Lok Sabha (House of the People)
Article 81 provides for Lok Sabha.
Directly elected by the people through general elections.
Maximum strength: 552 members
o 530 from states
o 20 from union territories
o 2 nominated from Anglo-Indian community (now discontinued by 104th
Amendment)
Current strength: 543
Term: 5 years (can be dissolved earlier)
Presiding Officer: Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Functions:
Passes money and financial bills (exclusive power)
Controls the executive through no-confidence motions
Initiates and passes laws
Debates matters of national importance
2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
Article 80 provides for Rajya Sabha.
Indirectly elected by members of State Legislative Assemblies.
Maximum strength: 250
o 238 elected members
o 12 nominated by the President (eminent persons from literature, science, art, and
social service)
Current strength: 245
It is a permanent body – not subject to dissolution.
o One-third of members retire every two years.
Presiding Officer: Vice-President of India (Chairman)
Functions:
Reviews and suggests amendments to legislation passed by Lok Sabha.
Represents the states in federal structure.
Can approve legislation on matters in the State List in the national interest (Article 249).
3. President of India
Integral part of Parliament (Article 79).
Summons, prorogues sessions and can dissolve the Lok Sabha.
Gives assent to bills passed by Parliament.
Can promulgate ordinances under Article 123 when Parliament is not in session.
Sessions of Parliament
As per Article 85, the President summons Parliament at least twice a year. There are usually
three sessions:
1. Budget Session – February to May
2. Monsoon Session – July to September
3. Winter Session – November to December
Law-Making Procedure in Parliament
1. Introduction of Bill (Government or Private Member)
2. First Reading (general discussion)
3. Second Reading (clause-by-clause discussion)
4. Third Reading (final approval)
5. Passage in both Houses
6. Assent of the President
7. Becomes Law
Money Bills can only be introduced in Lok Sabha and must be certified by the Speaker.
Powers and Functions of Parliament
1. Legislative Powers
Makes laws on subjects in Union and Concurrent List.
Can make laws on State List during emergencies.
2. Financial Powers
Controls national finances.
Passes the Annual Budget.
Only Lok Sabha can pass Money Bills (Article 110).
3. Executive Control
Exercises control over the Council of Ministers through:
o Question Hour
o Zero Hour
o Motions (Adjournment, Censure, No-confidence)
4. Judicial Powers
Can impeach the President, Vice-President, judges of Supreme Court and High Courts.
5. Electoral Functions
Participates in the election of the President and Vice-President.
6. Constitutional Functions
Can amend the Constitution under Article 368.
Privileges of Parliament
Freedom of Speech in Parliament (Article 105)
Immunity from legal action for anything said in the House
Power to regulate its own procedures
Challenges Faced by Indian Parliament
Disruptions and low productivity
Growing criminalization of politics
Lack of meaningful debate
Frequent use of ordinances by the executive
Recent Developments
Introduction of digital Parliament and e-Sansad initiatives
Women's Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023)
New Parliament building inaugurated in 2023
Conclusion
The Parliament of India is a cornerstone of the democratic framework. It plays a crucial role in
law-making, ensuring accountability of the executive, and representing the people’s interests. For
the healthy functioning of democracy, Parliament must act as a deliberative, transparent, and
responsible institution.
Let me know if you'd like a 10-page expanded version with footnotes, case references, or
citations from the Constitution and landmark parliamentary debates.
