Describe briefly the comparative position of the two houses of Parliament?

Question: Describe briefly the comparative position of the two houses of Parliament? [UPJS 2018]

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Answer

In a parliamentary system of government, the lower house always plays a more important role. Accordingly, in India as well, the Lok Sabha is more powerful and effective. The following points are important for understanding the comparative position of both the Houses of Parliament, i.e. Lok Sabha (Lower house) and Rajya Sabha (Upper house):

Lok Sabha is directly elected and the true representative of the people of India. Rajya Sabha, on the other hand, is indirectly elected. Moreover, Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, whereas the Lok Sabha is elected for a definite period of 5 years. Its tenure can be increased and it can be dissolved even earlier than the expiry of the term.

In the case of an ordinary bill, both the Houses have equal powers. But if the differences between both houses continue and a joint session is convened, the Lok Sabha gets an upper hand, as its membership is more than double that of the Rajya Sabha.

In respect of having control over the Council of Ministers, the Lok Sabha is more effective. Rajya Sabha can have some control by debating on the policies and programs and criticizing the government. But only the Lok Sabha has the power to pass a no-confidence motion which if done, the Council of Minister resigns.

With regard to the constitutional amendments, the election of the President and the Vice-President and impeachment or removal of President, Vice President, Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha have almost similar powers.

In financial matters, the Lok Sabha has an upper hand. And on the contrary, Rajya Sabha only may create a new All India Service and declare a subject in the State List to be of national importance.

In view of the above comparative position, it is easy to conclude that Lok Sabha is vested with more power under the Indian Constitution than the Rajya Sabha and hence plays a major role. But consequently, Rajya Sabha also plays specific important roles and there are certain functions vested under them that only Rajya Sabha can perform.

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