📚 REET – General Awareness & Current Affairs
Topic: Parliament & Judiciary
Target Audience: RTE/REET aspirants
Format: Markdown notes – Simple explanation, key points, worked example, quick revision summary
1. Simple Explanation
| Aspect | What It Is | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Parliament | The supreme law‑making body of India – composed of the President, Lok Sabha (House of the People), and Rajya Sabha (Council of States). | Creates laws, approves budgets, checks executive power. |
| Judiciary | Independent branch that interprets laws, protects rights, and ensures justice. Highest court: Supreme Court; below are High Courts and District/Other Courts. | Guarantees rule of law, protects citizens' rights, resolves disputes. |
The two branches together form the checks‑and‑balances system of the Indian Constitution.
2. Key Points
2.1 Parliament
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | President (as Chair of Joint Session), Lok Sabha (545 seats), Rajya Sabha (245 seats) |
| Types of Bills | 1. Ordinary Bills – any subject, can be passed by either house. 2. Constitutional Amendment Bills – need 2/3 majority in both houses. 3. Money Bills – only Lok Sabha may introduce; Rajya Sabha can only recommend. |
| Legislative Procedure | 1. First Reading – introduction. 2. Second Reading – debate, committee stage. 3. Third Reading – final vote. |
| Sessions | 1. Monsoon Session – July‑September. 2. Budget Session – October‑December. 3. Winter Session – January‑April. |
| Special Committees | Standing Committees (Public Accounts, Estimates, etc.) – scrutinise bills, budgets, and policies. |
| Amendments & Repeals | Parliament can amend or repeal any law; constitutional amendments require special procedure. |
| Checks on Executive | Parliamentary committees, question hours, adjournment motions, impeachment of officials (e.g., President, Judges). |
2.2 Judiciary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hierarchy | 1. Supreme Court (PC, 14 judges). 2. High Courts (state or group of states; 12–30 judges). 3. District Courts (one per district). 4. Other Courts (Family Court, Labour Court, etc.) |
| Types of Cases | Criminal, Civil, Constitutional, Administrative, Tax, etc. |
| Power of Judicial Review | Ability to strike down laws/acts if they violate the Constitution. |
| Appointment of Judges | Supreme Court: Collegium (Chief Justice + 4 senior judges). High Court: Collegium (Chief Justice of India + 2 senior Supreme Court judges). |
| Judicial Independence | 1. Security of Tenure – Judges cannot be removed except by impeachment. 2. Financial Independence – salaries fixed by Parliament. |
| Key Principles | 1. Rule of Law – everyone subject to law. 2. Equality Before Law – no discrimination. 3. Right to Fair Trial – presumption of innocence, evidence standards. |
| Recent Developments (2023‑24) | • Supreme Court’s “Digital Justice” Initiative – e‑filing and virtual hearings. • Judicial Reforms – “Judicial Re‑organization Act” (proposed) to reduce bench backlog. • High Court Expansion – New High Courts for Telangana & Puducherry. |
3. Worked Example – From Bill to Law
Scenario
The Parliament introduces a “Digital Payments (Security) Bill” to strengthen online transaction security.
Step‑by‑Step
| Step | What Happens | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Drafting | Draft prepared by Ministry of Finance and IT. | Central Government |
| 2. First Reading | Bill introduced in Lok Sabha; no debate. | MPs |
| 3. Second Reading | Committee (Standing Committee on Finance) reviews; amendments proposed. | Committee members |
| 4. Committee Stage | Bill examined clause‑by‑clause; public hearings. | Committee |
| 5. Report Stage | Committee returns report; Lok Sabha debates amendments. | MPs |
| 6. Third Reading | Final debate and vote in Lok Sabha. | MPs |
| 7. Passage in Lok Sabha | Bill passes if majority votes in favour. | MPs |
| 8. Rajya Sabha Consideration | Bill sent to Rajya Sabha; similar readings and votes. | MPs |
| 9. Rajya Sabha Acceptance | If Rajya Sabha passes or agrees to amendments. | MPs |
| 10. Return to Lok Sabha | Final approval if amendments made. | MPs |
| 11. Presidential Assent | President signs the bill. | President |
| 12. Publication | Bill published in Gazette of India; becomes an Act. | Government |
| 13. Effective Date | The Act specifies when it comes into force. | Courts & Admin |
Outcome
The Digital Payments (Security) Act, 2024 is now enforceable across India, mandating stronger encryption and reporting of cyber‑frauds.
4. Quick Revision Summary
| Topic | Core Points |
|---|---|
| Parliament | • Lok Sabha (directly |