The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body responsible for making laws, overseeing the government, and representing the people. It derives its powers from the Constitution of India and is divided into three parts:
- Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
- President of India
1. Legislative Powers (Law-Making Powers)
🔹 Parliament has the power to make laws on subjects mentioned in:
✅ Union List (Article 246) – 97 subjects (e.g., Defence, Railways, Foreign Affairs).
✅ Concurrent List – 47 subjects (e.g., Education, Criminal Law, Marriage & Divorce).
✅ State List (Only in Special Cases – Article 249, 250, 252, 253)
Types of Bills Passed by Parliament
- Ordinary Bills (Article 107) – Passed by both Houses.
- Money Bills (Article 110) – Introduced only in Lok Sabha.
- Financial Bills – Related to government expenditure.
- Constitutional Amendment Bills (Article 368) – To amend the Constitution.
2. Executive Powers (Control Over Government)
✅ Parliament exercises control over the Executive (Council of Ministers) through:
- Vote of No Confidence (Lok Sabha only) – Can remove the government.
- Question Hour, Zero Hour & Debates – Ministers are accountable to Parliament.
- Censure Motion – Can criticize government policies.
- Budget Approval – Parliament controls government spending.
3. Financial Powers (Money and Budget Control)
✅ Article 110 – Parliament controls financial matters, including:
- Annual Budget Approval (Article 112) – Presented in Lok Sabha.
- No Money Bill can be introduced in Rajya Sabha.
- Government cannot spend money without Parliament’s approval.
- Finance Bill & Appropriation Bill must be passed for tax and expenditure changes.
4. Judicial Powers (Law and Justice)
✅ Parliament has important judicial functions, including:
- Impeachment of the President (Article 61).
- Removal of Judges (Article 124 for SC, 217 for HC).
- Punishment for Breach of Privilege.
- Removal of Vice-President (Article 67).
5. Electoral Powers (Election-Related Functions)
✅ Parliament plays a key role in elections:
- Elects the President (Article 54) and Vice-President (Article 66).
- Members of Rajya Sabha are elected by State Legislative Assemblies.
- Amends election laws under Article 327.
6. Amending Powers (Constitutional Amendments – Article 368)
✅ Parliament can amend the Constitution through:
- Simple Majority – For minor amendments.
- Special Majority – Requires two-thirds majority in both Houses.
- Special Majority + Consent of States – Needed for federal structure changes.
📌 Example:
- 42nd Amendment (1976) – Increased Parliament’s power during Emergency.
- 44th Amendment (1978) – Restored Fundamental Rights after the Emergency.
7. Special Powers of Rajya Sabha
✅ Rajya Sabha has exclusive powers under certain conditions:
- Article 249 – Can allow Parliament to make laws on State List subjects in national interest.
- Article 312 – Can approve creation of new All India Services (like IAS, IPS).
- Cannot be dissolved, only one-third members retire every 2 years.
8. Powers of Parliament During Emergencies
✅ Parliament gets extra powers during National Emergency (Article 352), State Emergency (Article 356), and Financial Emergency (Article 360):
- Can make laws on any State subject.
- Can extend Lok Sabha’s term beyond 5 years.
- Can approve President’s Rule in a state.
9. Key Articles Related to Parliament
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| Article 79 | Establishment of Parliament |
| Article 80 | Composition of Rajya Sabha |
| Article 81 | Composition of Lok Sabha |
| Article 107 | Introduction of Ordinary Bills |
| Article 110 | Money Bill Definition |
| Article 112 | Annual Budget (Annual Financial Statement) |
| Article 123 | Ordinance Making Power of President |
| Article 249 | Parliament can legislate on State List |
| Article 312 | Rajya Sabha can approve All India Services |
| Article 368 | Amendment of the Constitution |
10. MCQs on Powers of Parliament
1. Under which article is the Indian Parliament established?
a) Article 79
b) Article 80
c) Article 81
d) Article 368
✅ Answer: a) Article 79
2. Which article defines a Money Bill?
a) Article 107
b) Article 110
c) Article 123
d) Article 312
✅ Answer: b) Article 110
3. Who introduces the Budget in Parliament?
a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Finance Minister
d) Speaker of Lok Sabha
✅ Answer: c) Finance Minister
4. Which article allows Parliament to amend the Constitution?
a) Article 79
b) Article 249
c) Article 312
d) Article 368
✅ Answer: d) Article 368
5. Under which article can Rajya Sabha allow Parliament to make laws on State List subjects?
a) Article 110
b) Article 249
c) Article 312
d) Article 360
✅ Answer: b) Article 249
6. What is the minimum number of times Parliament must meet in a year?
a) 2 times
b) 3 times
c) 4 times
d) 5 times
✅ Answer: b) 3 times
7. Under which article can Parliament approve an All India Service?
a) Article 107
b) Article 249
c) Article 312
d) Article 368
✅ Answer: c) Article 312
8. Which house of Parliament cannot be dissolved?
a) Lok Sabha
b) Rajya Sabha
c) Both Houses
d) None
✅ Answer: b) Rajya Sabha
11. Conclusion
The Parliament of India is the most powerful legislative body, responsible for making laws, approving budgets, amending the Constitution, and ensuring government accountability. While Lok Sabha holds more power, Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in law-making and protecting states’ interests.
For competitive exams, understanding the powers, articles, and case laws related to Parliament is essential. Stay updated with recent legislative developments to strengthen your preparation! ✅📚
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