Parliament of India - Structure and Functioning for UPSC

Parliament of India (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha): Where India’s Laws, Money, and Accountability Come Together

When your exam paper gets leaked in a state recruitment test, students in Patna, Prayagraj, Jaipur, and Hyderabad ask one simple question: “Who will fix this system?” When floods hit Assam or a cyclone damages coastal Odisha, people ask, “Who will question the government about preparedness and relief?” When prices rise in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Guwahati, families ask, “Why is the government not controlling inflation?” In a democracy, these questions do not remain only on WhatsApp and news debates. They must reach the highest public forum where the government is forced to answer. That forum is Parliament of India.

Parliament is not just a law factory. It is the place where:

• Laws are made and changed,
• Public money is approved and monitored,
• The government is questioned, criticised, and pushed to improve,
• Big national issues—jobs, health, education, security, environment—are debated publicly.

India follows a parliamentary system. This means the executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is drawn from the legislature and is responsible to it, especially to the Lok Sabha. If Parliament becomes weak, democracy becomes weak. If Parliament becomes strong, India’s governance becomes more transparent and more answerable.

Constitutional Provisions (Articles 79–122): The Rulebook of Parliament

For UPSC, one high-scoring approach is to show that you know the Constitution’s “chapter map” on Parliament. Articles 79 to 122 cover the structure, functioning, powers, procedures, financial control, and protections of Parliament.

Key constitutional points you must write in answers (Articles 79–122)

• Article 79: Parliament = President + two Houses.
• Article 80: Composition of Rajya Sabha (elected + nominated).
• Article 81: Composition of Lok Sabha (directly elected representation).
• Article 83: Duration—Lok Sabha (5 years normally), Rajya Sabha (permanent; members retire in rotation).
• Article 85: President summons Parliament; also prorogues; Lok Sabha can be dissolved.
• Article 87: President’s address at first session after general election and first session each year.
• Articles 93–97: Speaker and Deputy Speaker for Lok Sabha; Speaker’s authority in House functioning.
• Article 89: Vice President is Chairman of Rajya Sabha; Deputy Chairman elected by Rajya Sabha.
• Article 99: MPs must take oath/affirmation before sitting or voting.
• Article 100: Voting and quorum; quorum is one-tenth of total members of the House.
• Article 102: Disqualifications of MPs (office of profit, unsound mind, insolvency, citizenship issues, disqualification by law).
• Article 105: Privileges—freedom of speech in Parliament; immunity for votes/speeches.
• Article 108: Joint sitting for deadlock on ordinary Bills (not for Money Bills or Constitutional Amendment Bills).
• Article 110: Defines Money Bill; Speaker certifies it.
• Article 112: Budget (Annual Financial Statement).
• Articles 113–114: Demands for Grants; Appropriation Act required for withdrawal from Consolidated Fund.
• Article 117: Financial Bills classification and special rules.
• Article 122: Courts generally do not question parliamentary proceedings on procedural irregularity.

Composition of Both Houses: Who Represents Whom?

India is a Union of States. At the national level, the Constitution uses a bicameral Parliament to balance two voices:

• People’s voice through Lok Sabha (direct election),
• States’ voice through Rajya Sabha (indirect election by State Assemblies + nominated members).

Lok Sabha: House of the People

Lok Sabha members (MPs) are elected directly by the people. If you vote in a constituency in Mysuru, Dharwad, Belagavi, Pune, or Varanasi, you are choosing your Lok Sabha MP.

Rajya Sabha: Council of States

Rajya Sabha represents states and union territories in the national law-making process. Most Rajya Sabha members are elected by elected MLAs in State Legislative Assemblies using proportional representation (single transferable vote). Rajya Sabha also has 12 nominated members chosen for special knowledge or practical experience in fields like art, literature, science, and social service.

Composition comparison table (must-have for UPSC)

Qualifications, Disqualifications, Tenure and Vacancies: Who Can Be an MP?

UPSC expects you to write clearly: “How does a person enter Parliament?” and “How does a person lose the seat?” This part is highly scoring because it mixes Articles 84, 99, 102–104 with election law and anti-defection rules.

Qualifications (Article 84) + basic requirements

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Must take oath/affirmation (Article 99).
• Must meet qualifications fixed by Parliament through law (election laws).
• Minimum age: 25 years for Lok Sabha; 30 years for Rajya Sabha.

Disqualifications (Article 102) in simple words

• Office of profit: Holding a government post that gives profit/benefit (unless exempted by law).
• Unsound mind: Declared by a competent court.
• Undischarged insolvent: Not cleared bankruptcy status.
• Not a citizen or voluntarily taking citizenship of another country.
• Disqualified by law made by Parliament (example: election law disqualifications for certain convictions or corrupt practices).

Who decides disqualification under Article 102?

Article 103 says that if a question of disqualification arises under Article 102, the President decides it after consulting the Election Commission (EC’s opinion is taken).

Vacancy of seat (Article 101) and penalty (Article 104)

• Seat becomes vacant if an MP resigns, is disqualified, dies, or is absent without permission for a long time (as per rules).
• Article 104 provides penalty if a person sits or votes without taking oath or while disqualified.

Tenure (Article 83) in one line

• Lok Sabha: Normally 5 years; can be dissolved earlier.
• Rajya Sabha: Permanent; members serve 6 years; retirement by rotation.

Anti-Defection Law: The biggest real-life disqualification issue today

Even if you know Articles 102–104, your answer becomes stronger when you connect disqualification to the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law). This was added by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment (1985).

In simple language, an MP can lose the seat if:

• They voluntarily give up membership of their party, or
• They vote against party whip (party direction) in the House, and party does not condone within time.

Real Indian examples (recent type): Anti-defection disputes often arise when parties split or when MLAs/MPs shift support. India has seen repeated political crises where Speakers delayed decisions or where courts had to push for time-bound action—such as disputes connected with Maharashtra (party split disputes), Telangana (defection petitions), and other states where disqualification petitions stayed pending for long periods.

Sessions of Parliament: Budget, Monsoon, Winter (How Parliament Meets and Works)

Parliament does not sit every day like a school timetable. It meets in sessions. The Constitution (Article 85) focuses on summoning and the rule that Parliament should meet regularly. In practice, three main sessions are common:

• Budget Session (usually Jan/Feb to May)
• Monsoon Session (usually July to August)
• Winter Session (usually November to December)

What happens inside a session? Key terms you must know

• Summoning: Calling members to meet (Article 85).
• Adjournment: House meeting is suspended to a later time/date (done by presiding officer).
• Adjournment sine die: Adjournment without deciding a date for next meeting.
• Prorogation: Ending of a session by the President (Article 85).
• Dissolution: Ending the Lok Sabha itself (Rajya Sabha is not dissolved).

Real Indian examples from 2024–2025 sessions (easy recall)

• Budget Session 2024: Held around late January to early February, mainly for the Interim Budget and essential business.
• Monsoon Session 2024: Held from late July to early August, and it became important because it covered key legislative business soon after the new Lok Sabha began its work.
• Winter Session 2024: Held from late November to late December and saw several Bills and debates; it also included Constitution-focused discussions around Constitution Day period.
• Monsoon Session 2025: Held from late July to mid-August; major national topics and finance-related bills are often pushed in this period.

President’s Address (Article 87): “The formal start”

The President addresses both Houses assembled together:

• At the start of the first session after each general election, and
• At the start of the first session each year.

This address is followed by a Motion of Thanks in both Houses, where MPs debate the government’s agenda. This becomes a major opportunity to criticise or support policies.

Question Hour and Zero Hour: The most visible accountability tools

• Question Hour: MPs ask questions; ministers must answer. This is one of the strongest tools to expose weak implementation, corruption, delays, and poor governance.
• Zero Hour: A practice-based tool to raise urgent matters without prior notice.

Example: If there is a big exam leak, railway accident, bridge collapse, or a major scam, MPs use Question Hour and debates to pressurise ministers for answers and action.

Legislative Procedure: How Laws Are Made (Types of Bills and Steps)

Parliament’s most important function is law-making. A proposal becomes law through a Bill. After being passed and receiving President’s assent, it becomes an Act.

Common stages of a Bill (easy step-by-step)

• First Reading: Introduction of the Bill.
• Second Reading: Detailed discussion; often sent to a committee for deeper examination.
• Third Reading: Final debate and voting.
• Other House: Same process repeats in the other House.
• President’s assent: Final step to become law (Article 111).

Types of Bills (Ordinary, Money, Financial, Constitutional Amendment)

Ordinary Bill (Article 107): Equal law-making power in both Houses

An ordinary Bill can be introduced in either House and must be passed by both. If one House rejects it or does not agree to amendments, there can be a deadlock, and then Article 108 may be used (joint sitting).

Money Bill (Articles 109–110): Lok Sabha’s strong control over money

A Money Bill contains only specific financial matters like taxation, government borrowing, and expenditure from the Consolidated Fund. Key points:

• Introduced only in Lok Sabha.
• Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend; it can only give recommendations.
• Rajya Sabha must return it within 14 days.
• Lok Sabha may accept or reject recommendations.
• Speaker certifies whether a Bill is a Money Bill (Article 110).

Why this matters: Government survives and functions using money. Since Lok Sabha represents people directly, Constitution gives it stronger financial control.

Financial Bills (Article 117): Bills involving money but not “pure Money Bills”

Some Bills are financial but contain non-money matters too. They follow stricter rules than ordinary Bills and require President’s recommendation in some cases. Rajya Sabha may have wider power here compared to Money Bills.

Constitution Amendment Bills: Stronger majority, no joint sitting

To amend the Constitution, Parliament uses Article 368 procedure. This typically needs:

• Special majority in each House (majority of total membership + two-thirds of members present and voting).
• In some cases, ratification by at least half of the states.
• No joint sitting provision.

Joint Sitting (Article 108): When Deadlock Happens and How It Is Solved

India has two Houses. Disagreement is natural. But the Constitution also wanted to avoid permanent blockage. So, Article 108 allows a joint sitting to break a deadlock on certain Bills.

When can joint sitting be used? (Article 108 conditions)

• Bill passed by one House and rejected by the other, or
• Houses disagree on amendments, or
• More than six months pass with the Bill pending in the other House.

When joint sitting cannot be used (very important)

• Money Bills (Lok Sabha has final power; Rajya Sabha role limited).
• Constitution Amendment Bills (must be passed separately by both Houses with special majority).

Who presides over a joint sitting?

The Speaker of Lok Sabha presides. If Speaker is absent, then Deputy Speaker; if both absent, then Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha may preside.

Historical examples (India has used joint sitting only three times)

• Dowry Prohibition Bill, 1961 (deadlock resolved through joint sitting).
• Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill, 1978.
• Prevention of Terrorism Bill, 2002 (POTA-related deadlock resolution).

UPSC value: These examples show how rare joint sitting is. Usually, political negotiation, committee changes, or compromise avoids joint sitting.

Parliamentary Privileges and Immunities (Article 105): Why MPs Get Special Protection

Why should MPs get special powers? Because Parliament must remain free to debate fearlessly. If every speech leads to court cases, MPs will become silent. If outside pressure stops MPs from speaking, democracy becomes weak. So, the Constitution provides privileges under Article 105.

Core privileges under Article 105 (easy list)

• Freedom of speech in Parliament (subject to House rules).
• Immunity from court proceedings for anything said or any vote given in Parliament or its committees.
• Power to publish reports and proceedings (with protections, subject to law and House control).

Contempt of the House

Even if something is not a “technical privilege,” it can still be treated as contempt if it damages the House’s functioning. Privilege powers help Parliament protect its dignity and ensure smooth work.

Landmark Supreme Court case: Raja Ram Pal (2007)

This case came from the “cash for query” scandal where MPs were accused of taking money to ask questions. Parliament expelled some members. The key lessons for UPSC:

• Parliament has the power to take disciplinary action, including expulsion, as part of its privileges.
• At the same time, courts can examine parliamentary actions if there is serious constitutional illegality or violation of fundamental principles.
• So, privileges are strong, but not a blank cheque for unfairness.

Why it matters: This case shows the balance between “Parliament’s autonomy” and “judicial review.”

Article 122: Courts and parliamentary proceedings

Article 122 generally says courts should not question parliamentary proceedings on the ground of procedural irregularity. But if there is a deeper constitutional problem, courts can still examine. This keeps both democracy and constitutional limits intact.

Parliamentary Committees: The Real “Workshops” Where Laws Improve

Many people think Parliament works only through loud debates in the main House. In reality, some of the most serious work happens in committees. Committees allow detailed discussion without constant TV drama. MPs can ask officials tough questions, study a Bill line-by-line, and suggest improvements.

Main types of committees

DRSCs: A very important UPSC point

There are 24 Department-related Standing Committees. They:

• Examine Bills related to ministries,
• Study Demands for Grants,
• Check policy performance,
• Suggest improvements to government programs.

Example: If there is a big education reform proposal, a committee can call teachers, state officials, experts, and review how it impacts government schools in Kerala, Karnataka, Bihar, and the Northeast.

Financial committees (must mention in Mains)

• Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Examines how money was spent based on audit reports; checks financial propriety.
• Estimates Committee: Suggests economy in expenditure and better organisation.
• Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU): Examines functioning of PSUs.

Why committees matter today: In many sessions, time is short and disruptions happen. Committees become the best place for real scrutiny and evidence-based law-making.

Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha: Strong Comparison Table for UPSC Answers

Special Powers of Each House: What Makes Them Unique?

Special powers of Lok Sabha

• Controls the executive directly: Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha. No-confidence motion applies here.
• Money Bills: Only Lok Sabha can introduce Money Bills; Rajya Sabha has limited role.
• Budget control is strongest: Since government needs money to run, Lok Sabha’s financial control becomes a practical control over the executive.

Special powers of Rajya Sabha (high UPSC value)

• Article 249: Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution (special majority) allowing Parliament to legislate on a State List subject in national interest (time-bound).
• Article 312: Rajya Sabha can support creation of All-India Services in national interest (special majority).
• Removal of Vice President (Article 67): Resolution to remove Vice President can be introduced only in Rajya Sabha.
• Permanent House: Provides continuity even when Lok Sabha changes after elections.

Simple example: Rajya Sabha’s special powers matter in national-level coordination issues like disaster management frameworks, large security threats, or administration services where national uniformity is needed, while still respecting the idea of states.

Parliament in 2024–2025: Real Indian Examples (Sessions, Bills, and Accountability)

UPSC answers become powerful when you show “current understanding” with real examples. Here are examples from 2024–2025 that fit well in Mains answers.

1) Parliament sessions in 2024–2025: short sittings, heavy agenda

• Budget Session 2024 was short and focused on interim budget-related business.
• Monsoon Session 2024 ran for about 15 sittings and became important for passing and debating multiple bills and national issues.
• Winter Session 2024 ran from late November to late December, with Lok Sabha functioning for about 20 days and Rajya Sabha for about 19 days. A large part of scheduled time was lost due to disruptions—this is a major governance concern.
• Monsoon Session 2025 ran from late July to mid-August and again showed the pattern of big legislative agenda within limited sitting days.

2) Recent Bills passed in 2024: examples you can quote

During 2024, several Bills were passed by Parliament, including laws and amendments connected with governance, exams, environment compliance, and updating community lists. Examples often cited in UPSC discussions include:

• Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) law (2024): Important after repeated exam leak and cheating concerns. Students preparing for SSC, railways, banking, and state recruitment exams see this as directly linked to fairness.
• Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill (2024): Linked with local governance and representation questions.
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill (2024): Linked with environmental governance, compliance, and penalties.
• Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Orders amendments (2024): Updates in ST lists in some states, which affects reservation and welfare eligibility.

3) Recent Bills tracked in 2025: examples you can mention in answers

In 2025, Parliament also handled Bills connected with infrastructure, migration rules, aviation finance, and cooperative education. Examples include:

• Indian Ports Bill (2025) (ports governance and regulation).
• Immigration and Foreigners Bill (2025) (immigration framework discussions).
• Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill (2025) (aviation and financing ecosystem).
• Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill (2025) (cooperative sector education and strengthening).

4) Anti-defection disputes: practical examples of why law and Speaker’s role matter

Anti-defection is not only theory. In real politics, disqualification petitions often become the “battlefield” in government formation. Two common real-life problems are:

• Delay by Speakers in deciding disqualification petitions, which allows defectors to continue as MLAs/MPs and can change government stability.
• Political bias allegations against presiding officers, leading to court cases and public controversy.

Examples from recent years: Maharashtra’s political crisis created deep questions on disqualification, party split, and Speaker’s decisions. Telangana also saw intense debates and court pressure around pending disqualification petitions. Such examples show why anti-defection reform is frequently suggested.

Landmark Supreme Court Cases You Must Mention

Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992): The foundation case on Anti-Defection

This is the most important case on the Tenth Schedule. Key takeaways:

• Anti-defection law was held constitutionally valid (basic purpose: stop unethical defections).
• Speaker/Chairman acts like a quasi-judicial authority while deciding disqualification.
• Speaker’s decision is not completely beyond courts. Judicial review is available, especially after the decision, to check illegality, mala fide, or violation of constitutional rules.

Why this case is used in Mains: It helps you write balanced answers—anti-defection is needed for stability, but decision-making must be fair and time-bound.

Raja Ram Pal v. Speaker, Lok Sabha (2007): Privileges, expulsion, and judicial review

Key takeaways:

• Parliament has the power to protect its dignity and discipline its members, including expulsion in serious cases.
• Courts can still examine parliamentary actions if there is substantial illegality or constitutional violation.
• Article 122 protects Parliament from court interference on mere procedure issues, but it does not protect unconstitutional action.

How to use in answers: This case supports the idea that constitutional democracy needs both parliamentary autonomy and constitutional limits.

Why Parliament Matters: Benefits for Democracy and Development

• Law-making with legitimacy: Laws get democratic approval through elected MPs.
• Financial control: Government cannot spend public money without Parliament’s approval (Budget, grants, appropriation).
• Executive accountability: Question Hour, debates, motions, and committees force ministers to explain failures.
• Federal balance: Rajya Sabha protects state interests and provides continuity.
• Public debate: National issues are discussed openly, creating transparency.
• Better policy through committees: Technical scrutiny improves law quality.

Simple line for UPSC: Parliament is the central platform where democracy becomes governance—through laws, money approval, and accountability.

Challenges and Concerns: Why Parliament’s Effectiveness Is Often Questioned

1) Disruptions and loss of time

When Houses are repeatedly disrupted, Question Hour suffers, Bill scrutiny reduces, and public trust decreases. Important issues like unemployment, education quality, health infrastructure, and inflation may not get enough structured discussion.

2) Weak committee scrutiny for some Bills

When Bills are passed quickly without committee examination, drafting gaps and implementation confusion can rise. Later, courts, ministries, and states struggle to interpret unclear provisions.

3) Money Bill controversies

If Bills that are not purely Money Bills are certified as Money Bills, Rajya Sabha’s role becomes very weak. This creates tension in bicameral balance.

4) Anti-defection law issues

• MPs often cannot vote freely even on matters where conscience matters.
• Speakers sometimes delay disqualification decisions, weakening the purpose of the law.
• Defections still happen through group politics, resignations, or party splits, creating instability.

5) Limited research support to MPs

India has complex laws—digital governance, climate rules, banking regulation, national security. Many MPs need stronger research support to debate and draft effectively.

Way Forward: Practical Reforms to Strengthen Parliament

• Protect Question Hour and reduce disruptions through stronger rules and political discipline.
• Send more Bills to committees as a default rule, especially major reforms.
• Time-bound decisions in anti-defection petitions to stop strategic delays.
• Better parliamentary calendar with more sitting days and predictable sessions.
• Strengthen MP research support so debates become more data-based and less slogan-based.
• More transparency about attendance, committee reports, and follow-up actions by ministries.
• Promote healthy federalism by respecting Rajya Sabha’s role in national coordination.

Wrap-up: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Together Keep India Democratic and Accountable

Lok Sabha gives direct voice to India’s citizens. Rajya Sabha gives voice to India’s states and provides continuity and second review. Parliament also controls public money, questions the executive, and builds national laws. When Parliament functions seriously—with strong debates, committee scrutiny, and disciplined conduct—India’s democracy becomes stronger, governance becomes cleaner, and citizens feel heard.

For UPSC, always end with a balanced line: Parliament must be strong enough to check the government, wise enough to improve laws, and disciplined enough to earn public trust.

Previous Year UPSC Questions (PYQs) with Exam-Ready Answers

Practice MCQs (with Answers)

1. Parliament of India consists of:

   • A) Lok Sabha only
   • B) Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha only
   • C) President and Lok Sabha only
   • D) President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

   Answer: D

   Explanation: Article 79 includes the President as part of Parliament along with both Houses.

2. Which of the following statements about Rajya Sabha is correct?

   • A) It can be dissolved like Lok Sabha
   • B) It is a permanent House; one-third members retire every two years
   • C) All members are nominated by the President
   • D) It has a fixed term of five years

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Rajya Sabha is not dissolved; members serve 6 years with rotational retirement.

3. A joint sitting of Parliament under Article 108 can be used for:

   • A) Money Bill
   • B) Constitutional Amendment Bill
   • C) Ordinary Bill deadlock
   • D) Impeachment of President

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Joint sitting resolves deadlock on ordinary Bills, not Money Bills or Constitution Amendment Bills.

4. Which statement best explains parliamentary privilege under Article 105?

   • A) MPs can never be punished for any crime committed outside Parliament
   • B) MPs enjoy immunity from court proceedings for anything said or voted in Parliament
   • C) MPs can stop courts from reviewing any unconstitutional action
   • D) MPs can introduce Money Bills in Rajya Sabha

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Article 105 protects speeches and votes inside Parliament/committees so MPs can speak freely.

5. Which of the following is a special power of Rajya Sabha?

   • A) To pass a no-confidence motion against the government
   • B) To certify a Bill as a Money Bill
   • C) To authorise Parliament to legislate on a State List matter in national interest
   • D) To dissolve Lok Sabha

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Under Article 249, Rajya Sabha can pass a special majority resolution enabling Parliament to legislate on State List subjects in national interest.