State Agriculture Officer (SAO)
General Awareness & Current Affairs
Topic: Parliament & Judiciary
Time‑saver note:
- Parliament = legislative body that makes laws.
- Judiciary = law‑interpreting body that ensures justice and constitutional supremacy.
1. Simple Explanation
| Term | What it Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Parliament | The supreme law‑making body of India, bicameral: Lok Sabha (House of the People) & Rajya Sabha (Council of States). | Crafts, amends, and repeals laws that affect every citizen. |
| Judiciary | The system of courts that interprets the Constitution and adjudicates disputes. Highest is the Supreme Court, followed by High Courts and Sub‑ordinate courts. | Safeguards rights, ensures checks & balances, settles disputes. |
| Constitutional Supremacy | Both bodies must work within the framework of the Constitution. | Prevents arbitrary law‑making or law‑breaking. |
2. Parliament
2.1 Structure
| House | Composition | Term | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lok Sabha | 543 elected seats (India’s population) + 12 nominated by President (SC/ST/Arts). | 5 years | Directly elected, majority decides the government. |
| Rajya Sabha | 245 seats: 233 elected by state legislatures (proportional representation) + 12 nominated. | 6 years (1/3 retire every 2 years) | Represents states; reviews legislation. |
2.2 Functions
| Type | Function |
|---|---|
| Legislative | Enacts laws, amends Constitution, approves budgets. |
| Oversight | Scrutinises executive (Question Hour, Public Accounts Committee). |
| Financial | Approves taxes, approves Budget, scrutinises expenditure. |
| Representational | Voice of people & states. |
2.3 Types of Bills
| Bill | Origin | Passage |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Bill | Any member (except money bills). | Simple majority in both houses. |
| Money Bill | Deals with taxation, borrowing, financial matters. | Requires Lok Sabha approval; Rajya Sabha can only recommend. |
| Constitutional Amendment Bill | Any house. | 2/3 majority in both houses; ratification by 50% of state legislatures for certain amendments. |
2.4 Bill‑Passing Procedure (Simplified)
- Drafting – Member/Minister drafts bill.
- First Reading – Introduction, general discussion.
- Committee Stage – Detailed scrutiny (Standing Committee or Committee on Bills).
- Second Reading – Debate on principles, clause‑wise amendment.
- Third Reading – Final debate, voting.
- Second House – Same stages.
- President’s Assent – Bill becomes law.
2.5 Key Committees
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC) – Audits govt. accounts.
- Committee on Public Undertakings (CPU) – Scrutinises public sector.
- Committee on Estimates – Reviews efficiency of govt. spending.
3. Judiciary
3.1 Hierarchy
| Level | Composition | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court | 14 judges (incl. Chief Justice). | Constitutional, civil, criminal, appellate. |
| High Courts | 1 per state/union territory (minimum 3 judges). | State jurisdiction, appellate, original in certain cases. |
| Sub‑ordinate Courts | District & subordinate courts (Civil & Criminal). | Original jurisdiction in most civil/criminal matters. |
3.2 Constitutionally Mandated Powers
| Power | Description |
|---|---|
| Judicial Review | Ability to strike down laws violating Constitution. |
| Powers of Appeal | Approve appeals from lower courts. |
| Original Jurisdiction | Certain cases (e.g., disputes between states) start at Supreme Court. |
| Constitutional Preamble | Supreme Court interprets the Preamble as a guide for law. |
3.3 Recent Highlights (2023‑24)
| Issue | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Supreme Court judgment on Aadhaar | Reaffirmed privacy rights but upheld usage under certain conditions. |
| High Court ruling on land acquisition | Struck down state ordinance, emphasised compensation norms. |
| Appointment of 15 new Supreme Court judges | First time a single judge retirement led to a wave of appointments. |
| Judiciary reforms | Introduction of e‑filing, virtual hearings in response to COVID. |
3.4 Important Courts & Bodies
- Supreme Court of India (SC) – Highest appellate court.
- High Court of Bombay (HC) – Has jurisdiction in Maharashtra & Goa.
- National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) – Proposed body (now defunct).
- Judicial Qualifying Board – For appointing judges to High Courts.
4. Worked Example
Question:
Explain the procedure for introducing and passing a Money Bill in the Parliament of India.
Answer (Step‑by‑step):
| Step | What Happens | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Drafting | The Ministry of Finance prepares the bill and submits it to the Cabinet. | Must be a Money Bill as per Article 110. |