While both Rajya Sabha (Upper House) and Lok Sabha (Lower House) play crucial roles in India’s parliamentary system, their powers are not equal. Lok Sabha holds greater authority in several key areas. Below is a comparison of their powers:
1. Legislative Powers (Both Houses Are Equal)
- Ordinary Bills: Can be introduced in either house and must be passed by both. However, in case of disagreement, a joint sitting is held, where Lok Sabha’s larger numbers give it an advantage.
- Constitutional Amendment Bills: Both houses have equal power; no joint sitting is allowed in case of disagreement.
2. Financial Powers (Lok Sabha is Stronger)
- Money Bills: Can only be introduced in Lok Sabha (Article 110).
- Rajya Sabha’s Role: Can only suggest amendments but cannot reject a Money Bill. Lok Sabha can accept or reject these suggestions.
- Budget Approval: Rajya Sabha has no real control over the annual budget.
3. Control Over the Executive (Government) (Lok Sabha is Stronger)
- Council of Ministers (PM and Ministers) is responsible to Lok Sabha, not Rajya Sabha.
- No-confidence motion: Can be passed only in Lok Sabha (If passed, the government falls).
- Rajya Sabha can only discuss policies but cannot remove the government.
4. Role in Removal of Officials (Both Houses Have a Role)
- President’s Impeachment: Both houses have equal power.
- Chief Justice & Judges’ Removal: Equal power.
- Vice President’s Removal: Rajya Sabha has more power since the resolution starts there and then goes to Lok Sabha.
5. Special Powers of Rajya Sabha (Where It is Stronger)
- Creation of New All-India Services (Article 312) – Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution to create services like IAS, IPS.
- Legislating on State List (Article 249) – If Rajya Sabha passes a resolution with a 2/3rd majority, Parliament can make laws on a state subject.
6. Role in Emergency Provisions (Both Houses Have a Role)
- Proclamation of Emergency (National, State, and Financial) must be approved by both houses.
- But since Lok Sabha is dissolved during elections, Rajya Sabha can approve a proclamation alone.
Final Verdict: Lok Sabha is More Powerful
- Rajya Sabha plays a significant role but is weaker in financial matters, government control, and policymaking.
- It has special powers in all-India services & state-list lawmaking, but these are rarely used.
Summary Table
| Power | Rajya Sabha | Lok Sabha |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Bills | Equal power | Equal power |
| Money Bills | Can suggest amendments only | Final decision-making |
| Budget | Can discuss, but no real power | Full control |
| No-confidence Motion | Cannot introduce | Can introduce & remove government |
| Creating New All-India Services | More power (Can propose) | Not involved |
| Lawmaking on State List | More power (Can propose) | Not involved |
| Emergency Powers | Can act if Lok Sabha is dissolved | Full authority when in session |
So, Rajya Sabha acts as a reviewing house, while Lok Sabha dominates decision-making in key areas like finance and government control.