Study Notes – Parliament & Judiciary
Program: Agniveer
Subject: General Awareness & Current Affairs
Topic: Parliament & Judiciary
1. Simple Explanation
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Parliament | The supreme legislative body that makes laws, debates national issues, and checks the executive. |
| Judiciary | The court system that interprets laws, protects rights, and ensures justice. |
The Parliament and Judiciary are two pillars of the Indian democratic framework.
- Parliament is political – it is elected, debates, and passes laws.
- Judiciary is judicial – it is independent, interprets laws, and upholds the Constitution.
Both are built on the principle of checks and balances: Parliament passes laws, the Judiciary can declare them unconstitutional, and Parliament can amend the Constitution.
2. Key Points
2.1 Parliament of India
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Structure | Bicameral: Lok Sabha (House of the People) + Rajya Sabha (Council of States) |
| Lok Sabha | 543 seats (480 elected + 10 by NRI), 5‑year term, majority decides the government. |
| Rajya Sabha | 245 seats (233 elected by state legislatures + 12 nominated), 6‑year term, staggered elections. |
| Functions | • Law‑making (ordinary & constitutional). • Budget & Finance (approving money bills). • Oversight (question hour, committees). |
| Special Powers | • Money Bill – only Lok Sabha can introduce; Rajya Sabha can suggest amendments but cannot reject. • Constitutional Amendment – requires 2/3 in both houses and ratification by 50% of state legislatures. |
| Committees | Standing Committees (Finance, Public Accounts, etc.), Select Committees (Bill review), Committee on Public Undertakings. |
| Election of Leaders | • Speaker & Deputy Speaker (Lok Sabha). • Chairman & Deputy Chairman (Rajya Sabha). • Prime Minister (usually Lok Sabha majority leader). |
2.2 Judiciary of India
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hierarchy | • Supreme Court (Supreme Court of India) • High Courts (one per state/union territory) • Subordinate Courts (District & Magistrate) |
| Supreme Court | 14 judges (incl. Chief Justice), highest appellate and original jurisdiction in constitutional matters. |
| High Courts | 28 courts (one per state/UT) with appellate and original jurisdiction on state matters. |
| Subordinate Courts | District courts (civil & criminal), Magistrate courts (minor offenses). |
| Functions | • Interpret Constitution • Judicial review • Protect fundamental rights • Resolve disputes between states & between centre & states |
| Independence | • Judges appointed by President on recommendation of collegium (court‑appointed). • Salary, pension, and removal protected. |
| Key Powers | • Judicial Review: can strike down unconstitutional laws. • Power of Compulsion: can order any public authority. • Bail & Revision. |
| Current Affairs Highlights | • 2024 Supreme Court cases on Aadhaar, digital privacy. • High Court judgments on land acquisition, environmental law. |
2.3 Interaction Between the Two
| Interaction | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Legislative Process | Bill → Lok Sabha → Rajya Sabha → President. |
| Judicial Review | Court may strike down a law if unconstitutional. |
| Judicial-Mandated Reforms | Courts can direct Parliament to amend laws (e.g., 2022 Directive on stalking prevention). |
| Executive Accountability | Parliament can dismiss the judiciary via Constitutional Amendment (rare). |
3. Worked Example – From Bill to Law & Judicial Review
Scenario: Parliament wants to introduce a new Environmental Protection Act.
- Drafting – Ministry drafts the bill.
- Introduction – Bill introduced in Lok Sabha.
- Debate & Voting – Majority passes it.
- Rajya Sabha – Receives the bill, may suggest amendments.
- Reconciliation – If Rajya Sabha amends, a joint session may be called.
- Presidential Assent – President signs; law enacted.
Judicial Review Stage
- Case: A company challenges the Act’s provision that bans certain industrial processes.
- High Court: The company files a petition alleging infringement of fundamental rights (Article 21).
- Supreme Court: The case escalates; the Supreme Court reviews the constitutionality.
- Decision: If the Supreme Court finds the provision violates Article 21, it can strike it down or read it down.
Result: The law stands only if it survives judicial scrutiny.
4. Quick Revision Summary
| Section | Key Take‑away |
|---|---|
| Parliament | Bicameral, 5‑year Lok Sabha, 6‑year Rajya Sabha, law‑making & oversight. |
| Money Bills | Only Lok Sabha initiates; Rajya Sabha can suggest but not reject. |
| Constitutional Amendment | 2/3 in both houses + state ratification. |
| Judiciary Hierarchy | Supreme Court → High Courts → Subordinate courts. |
| Judicial Independence | Judges appointed by collegium; removal protected. |
| Judicial Review | Courts can invalidate laws violating the Constitution. |
| Interaction | Parliament makes law; judiciary interprets; checks and balances. |
Quick Flashcards
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the maximum term for a Lok Sabha member? | 5 years |
| Who appoints Supreme Court judges? | President on collegium recommendation |
| What power does the Supreme Court hold over Parliament? | Judicial review of laws |
| How many Rajya Sabha seats are nominated? | 12 |
| What is required to amend the Constitution? | 2/3 majority in both houses + ratification by 50% of state legislatures |
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