Central Legislature / Parliament of India
The Central Legislature of India, commonly referred to as the Parliament, is the supreme legislative body of the country. It plays a central role in the functioning of Indian democracy by making laws, discussing policies, and holding the executive accountable. The Parliament of India is a bicameral legislature, meaning it consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), along with the President of India, who is an integral part of the Parliament.
1. Composition of the Parliament
The Indian Parliament comprises:
- President of India – The constitutional head of the state, though not a member of either house, plays a vital role in the legislative process. All bills passed by both Houses become law only after the President’s assent.
- Lok Sabha – This is the lower house and the more powerful of the two. Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people of India through general elections based on universal adult suffrage. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 552, though the current strength is 545 (543 elected, 2 nominated from the Anglo-Indian community if necessary). The term of the Lok Sabha is five years unless dissolved sooner.
- Rajya Sabha – This is the upper house and represents the states and union territories. The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250 members, of which 238 are elected by the state and union territory legislatures, and 12 are nominated by the President for their expertise in fields like literature, science, art, and social service. Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution, but one-third of its members retire every two years.
2. Functions of the Parliament
The Parliament performs several key functions:
- Legislative Function: The primary function is to enact laws. A bill can be introduced in either house (except a Money Bill, which must originate in the Lok Sabha). After being passed by both houses and receiving the President’s assent, a bill becomes law.
- Financial Function: Parliament controls government finances. The Annual Budget (Union Budget) is presented in the Lok Sabha, and no money can be spent by the government without Parliament’s approval. The Lok Sabha has more financial powers than the Rajya Sabha in this regard.
- Executive Control: Through tools like question hour, motions, and no-confidence votes, Parliament exercises oversight over the executive (Council of Ministers). The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
- Constitutional Function: The Parliament can amend the Constitution under Article 368. Some amendments require ratification by half of the state legislatures.
- Judicial Function: It can impeach the President, remove judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and punish its members for breach of privileges.
3. Importance of Parliament
Parliament is the cornerstone of Indian democracy. It ensures that laws reflect the will of the people, that the government remains accountable, and that public funds are used responsibly. It is also a forum for debate and discussion, representing diverse political opinions and the interests of different regions.
Conclusion
The Parliament of India plays a vital role in the governance and development of the nation. Its bicameral structure ensures representation of both the people and the states, upholding the principles of federalism and democracy. By enacting laws, controlling finances, and keeping a check on the executive, Parliament serves as the voice of the people and the guardian of the Constitution.
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