TISSNET – General Awareness & Current Affairs
Topic: Parliament & Judiciary
Target – Understand the constitutional architecture, functioning, and recent developments of India’s Parliament and Judiciary.
Exam Focus – IIT‑JEE, UPSC, and other competitive exams require conceptual clarity, current events (last 12 months), and critical thinking.
Table of Contents
- Constitutional Foundations
- Parliament – Structure & Functions
- Lok Sabha
- Rajya Sabha
- Parliamentary Committees
- Legislative Process (Bills → Law)
- Key Powers & Limitations
- Judiciary – Structure & Independence
- Supreme Court
- High Courts
- Subordinate Courts
- Judicial Reforms (2024‑25)
- Important Constitutional Provisions & Landmark Judgments
- Recent Developments (Jan‑Dec 2024)
- Tricky Points & Common Confusions
- Hard Practice Question (with Answer)
1. Constitutional Foundations <a name="constitutional-foundations"></a>
| Section | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Article 5–11 | Fundamental rights (right to equality, freedom, etc.) |
| Articles 52–63 | Parliament: Structure, composition, quorum, powers |
| Articles 79–93 | Executive: President, Vice‑President, PM, Council of Ministers |
| Articles 124–145 | Judiciary: Supreme Court and High Courts |
| Article 356 | State emergency (President’s rule) |
| Article 368 | Constitutional amendments |
Why it matters – All powers of Parliament and Judiciary arise from these articles. Recall the “quasi‑legislative” nature of certain executive actions and the “constitutional supremacy” of the Supreme Court.
2. Parliament – Structure & Functions <a name="parliament-structure-functions"></a>
2.1 Lok Sabha (House of the People)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | 543 members directly elected (plus 2 NRI‑reserved seats) |
| Term | 5 years (subject to dissolution) |
| Quorum | 1/3 of total strength (minimum 182) |
| Key Functions | 1) Pass legislation; 2) Approve budget & finance; 3) Hold the Council of Ministers accountable |
| Special Powers | 1) Money Bills – only Lok Sabha can introduce; 2) Motion of no‑confidence |
Tricky Point – The “Money Bill” cannot be introduced in Rajya Sabha; if Rajya Sabha makes changes, the President must decide if they are “money‑related” or “non‑money” (Article 110).
2.2 Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | 250 members (242 elected by states/UTs, 8 nominated by the President) |
| Term | 6 years, staggered (1/3 retire every 2 years) |
| Key Functions | 1) Review & suggest amendments to bills; 2) Represent state interests; 3) Can delay non‑money bills for 14 days |
| Special Provisions | 1) “Convened” for emergencies; 2) “Advisory” role in constitutional amendments |
Tricky Point – Rajya Sabha’s “power to delay” does not apply to Money Bills or bills related to the Constitution (Articles 114‑115).
2.3 Parliamentary Committees
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Standing Committees | Permanent structure (e.g., Committee on Public Undertakings, Committee on Estimates) |
| Select Committees | Temporary, for specific bills (e.g., Finance Bill, Right to Education Bill) |
| Joint Committees | For bills affecting both houses |
| Committee on Privileges | Maintain parliamentary decorum |
Key Takeaway – Committees are “mini‑parliaments”: they examine details, invite experts, and report before the full house.
2.4 Legislative Process
- Drafting – by Ministry or elected members.
- First Reading – Introduction; no vote.
- Committee Stage – Detailed examination.
- Second Reading – Debate on main provisions.
- Third Reading – Final passage (vote).
- Other House – Same stages.
- Presidential Assent – Bill becomes law.
Tricky Point – Bills introduced by the President are called “President’s Bills” and must be passed by both houses in the same session (Article 111).
2.5 Key Powers & Limitations
| Power | Source | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Law‑making | Article 52 | Must respect Fundamental Rights (Article 13) |
| Budget approval | Article 101 | 5% of total expenditure (Budget Act) |
| Impeachment | Articles 61‑64 | Requires two‑thirds majority in Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha |
| Emergency | Article 352 | Must be notified, approved within 21 days |
3. Judiciary – Structure & Independence <a name="judiciary-structure-independence"></a>
3.1 Supreme Court
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | Chief Justice + 14 other judges (current strength 15) |
| Appointment | By President, after consultation with collegium (Supreme Court + 2 High Court |