Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha. It is the lower house of the bicameral Parliament of India, representing the people of India as a whole. Members are directly elected by the adult electorate from single-member constituencies across the country, making it a cornerstone of India's democratic system. The house holds significant power, including control over the Council of Ministers and the primary authority over financial matters.

History

The institution traces its origins to the Government of India Act 1919, which established a Central Legislative Assembly with limited elected representation. Its evolution continued with the Government of India Act 1935, before the current form was established by the Constitution of India which came into force on 26 January 1950. The first general elections under the new constitution were held in 1951–52, with the first session convening on 17 May 1952. Key historical moments include the national emergency of 1975, during which its term was extended, and the passage of significant anti-corruption legislation in later decades.

Composition and election

The maximum strength is 552 members, with 543 elected from states and union territories and up to two nominated from the Anglo-Indian community, a provision now lapsed. Elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India using the First-past-the-post voting system in geographical constituencies delimited by the Delimitation Commission of India. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 governs electoral processes, and seats are allocated to states based on population, though this delimitation has been frozen since the 42nd Amendment.

Powers and functions

It possesses paramount power in financial matters; a Money bill can only be introduced here and the Rajya Sabha has limited powers to amend it. It exercises control over the executive through mechanisms like Question Hour, adjournment motions, and no-confidence motions. The house participates in the electoral college for electing the President of India and the Vice President of India, and has equal power with the Rajya Sabha in the amendment of the constitution and in impeaching the president.

Sessions and procedures

Sessions are summoned by the President of India on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers, typically for three sessions a year: the Budget session, the Monsoon session, and the Winter session. Proceedings are presided over by the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker, guided by the Rules of Procedure and constitutional provisions. Key procedures include the President's Address, the presentation of the Union Budget, and the extensive use of departmentally related standing committees for legislative scrutiny.

Members and constituencies

Members, known as MPs, must be Indian citizens at least 25 years old. They represent constituencies that are periodically reorganized by the Delimitation Commission of India to reflect population changes. MPs enjoy certain privileges and immunities under the Constitution of India and the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959. The Leader of the House is usually the Prime Minister of India, while the largest opposition party appoints the Leader of the Opposition.

Relationship with other government bodies

As the popular chamber, it shares legislative powers with the upper house, the Rajya Sabha, though it has superior power in financial matters. A ministry must maintain the confidence of this house to remain in power. It interacts with the judiciary primarily when examining bills that may face judicial review, and its privileges are subject to interpretation by the Supreme Court of India. The house also exercises oversight over autonomous bodies like the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the Union Public Service Commission through its reports.