📚 Study Notes – Parliament & Judiciary
For Himachal Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) – General Awareness & Current Affairs
Tip:
Combine these notes with the Indian Constitution and recent Supreme Court judgments for a holistic preparation.
1️⃣ Parliament – The Legislature of India
| Feature | Lok Sabha (House of the People) | Rajya Sabha (Council of States) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 545 members (max) – 543 elected + 2 nominated | 250 members (max) – 238 elected + 12 nominated |
| Term | 5 years | 6 years (renewable) |
| Quorum | 1/3 of total membership (i.e., 182) | 1/6 of total membership (i.e., 42) |
| Voting | Simple majority (≥ 50 % of members present & voting) | Simple majority |
| Leadership | Speaker (elected from among MPs) | Chairman (Vice-President of India) (ex‑officio) |
| Key Functions | • Initiates money bills (only) • Approves annual & supplementary budgets • Grants confidence to the Council of Ministers |
• Debates and passes ordinary bills • Can recommend amendments to Lok Sabha • Provides checks on executive |
| Special Powers | • Adjournment (can be extended) • Censure (motions of no‑confidence) |
• Constitutional amendments (requires 2/3 votes in both houses) |
Tricky Point:
Money bills can only be introduced in Lok Sabha; Rajya Sabha can only recommend amendments, and these can be rejected.
2️⃣ Legislative Process – From Idea to Law
- Drafting
- Usually by the Ministry, or by a private member (rare).
- First Reading – Brief description; no debate.
- Second Reading – Detailed debate & committee consideration.
- Committee Stage – Detailed scrutiny (usually by a Committee on the Bill).
- Third Reading – Final debate & voting.
- Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha – Bill must pass both houses (or only Lok Sabha for Money Bills).
- Presidential Assent –
- Absolute Majority (≥ 50 % of total membership) required for most bills.
- Special Clause – Constitutional amendments require 2/3 of the total membership in both houses and 2/3 of the members present and voting (except in some states).
Formulae
| Condition | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Quorum (Lok Sabha) | Total MPs / 3 |
545 / 3 ≈ 182 |
| Absolute Majority | > 50 % of total membership |
545 MPs → 273 required |
| Special Majority (Amendments) | > 2/3 of total membership & > 2/3 of members present & voting |
545 MPs → 364 (2/3) |
3️⃣ Parliamentary Powers & Functions
| Power | Description |
|---|---|
| Legislative | Enact laws on any matter listed in the Union List (Article 246). |
| Financial | Approve budgets, levy taxes, grant funds to states. |
| Oversight | Question ministers, approve appointments (e.g., Supreme Court judges), conduct investigations (e.g., committees). |
| Constitutional Amendment | Changes to the Constitution itself (Article 368). |
| Judicial | In case of a constitutional crisis (e.g., impeachment of the President), Parliament can act as a Court of Impeachment. |
Tricky Point:
The President can refuse