Parliament

🟢 Lite — Quick Review (1h–1d)

Rapid summary for last-minute revision before your exam.

Parliament — Key Facts for UPPSC PCS Core concept: Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India, consisting of the President and two Houses High-yield point: Articles 79–122 of the Constitution deal with Parliament; questions on parliamentary procedures are recurrent in UPPSC PCS ⚡ Exam tip: Memorise the composition, powers, and differences between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

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🟡 Standard — Regular Study (2d–2mo)

Standard content for students with a few days to months.

Structure of Parliament

Parliament of India consists of three organs:

House	Strength	Election/Appointment	Term
Lok Sabha	Up to 552	Direct election from territorial constituencies	5 years
Rajya Sabha	250	Elected by state MLAs	6 years (1/3 rotate every 2 years)
President	1	Electoral College (MPs + MLAs)	5 years

Note: Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, never dissolved.

President vs Parliament

• The President is part of Parliament but does NOT sit in either House.
• President summons, prorogues, and dissolves Lok Sabha.
• Money Bills originate in Lok Sabha only; Rajya Sabha can only recommend amendments (cannot veto).

Key Parliamentary Powers

1. Legislative — Passes laws; President gives assent.
2. Financial — Controls public money via Budget, Grants, Appropriations.
3. Executive — Council of Ministers remains accountable to Lok Sabha (no PM can remain without majority support).
4. Constituent — Can amend the Constitution (Article 368).
5. Judicial — Can impeach President, remove judges of Supreme Court/High Courts.

Parliamentary Privileges (Articles 105 & 194)

• Freedom of speech in Parliament
• Immunity from court proceedings for parliamentary speeches
• Right to publish debates (subject to House rules)

Question Types in UPPSC PCS

• “What is the maximum strength of Lok Sabha?”
• “Who presides over a joint sitting of Parliament?”
• “Can the President dissolve Rajya Sabha?”
• “Difference between a Money Bill and a Financial Bill”

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🔴 Extended — Deep Study (3mo+)

Comprehensive coverage for students on a longer study timeline.

Detailed Notes

Summons and Sessions

• President summons each House at least twice a year (no gap > 6 months).
• Budget Session (Feb–May) is the longest.
• Monsoon Session (July–September) and Winter Session (Nov–December).

The Budget Process

1. Budget laid before Lok Sabha (not Rajya Sabha first).
2. Demand for Grants — Detailed estimates; vote-on-account for interim.
3. Appropriation Bill — Gives legal authority to spend.
4. Finance Bill — Deals with taxation; passed as part of Budget.
5. President’s assent — Final step.

Types of Majorities

• Simple Majority — Half + 1 of members present.
• Absolute Majority — Half + 1 of total membership.
• Special Majority — 2/3 of members present (for constitutional amendments).
• Anti-Defection Law — 10th Schedule: bulk of party MPs defecting → disqualification.

Parliamentary Committees

Committee	Function
Public Accounts Committee	Audit of government expenditure
Estimates Committee	Examine budget estimates
Committee on Papers Laid	Verify documents laid before House
Business Advisory Committee	Prioritise government business
Standing Committee	Continue across sessions

Rajya Sabha — Special Powers

• Can detain a Money Bill for 14 days (cannot amend or veto it).
• Can initiate constitutional amendment bills.
• Creates friction against hasty Lok Sabha decisions.

Joint Sitting

When both Houses disagree on an ordinary Bill, President may summon joint sitting. Has never been invoked for a constitutional amendment.

Example: The Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Act, 1978 — first joint sitting.

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