Navigating the Halls of Democracy: Understanding Articles 79-88 on the Indian Parliament
As the cornerstone of India's democratic fabric, the Parliament, delineated in Articles 79-122 of the Constitution, stands as a symbol of representative governance. This post will unravel the specific provisions encapsulated in Articles 79-88, offering insights into the composition, functioning, and pivotal aspects of this venerable institution.
Chapter II: Parliament - An Overview
Article 79: Constitution of Parliament
The genesis of India's parliamentary system lies in Article 79, which establishes the Union Parliament. Comprising the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha, this institution is the crucible of legislative deliberations.
Article 80: Composition of the Council of States
Diving into the composition of the Rajya Sabha, Article 80 delineates the allocation of seats, including nominated members and representatives from states and union territories. The article emphasizes expertise in literature, science, art, and social service for nominated members.
Article 81: Composition of the House of the People
Article 81 outlines the composition of the Lok Sabha, detailing the allocation of seats to states and union territories. Ensuring proportional representation based on population, this article ensures a dynamic representation reflective of India's diversity.
Article 82: Readjustment after Each Census
Following each census, Article 82 empowers Parliament to readjust the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha and the division of states into constituencies. This periodic realignment maintains the democratic equilibrium.
Article 83: Duration of Houses of Parliament
Article 83 outlines the tenure of the Council of States and the House of the People. While the Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution, one-third of its members retire every two years. The Lok Sabha, unless dissolved earlier, has a fixed term of five years, subject to extensions during a state of emergency.
Article 84: Qualification for Membership of Parliament
Elucidating the qualifications for parliamentary membership, Article 84 requires candidates to be Indian citizens, fulfill age criteria, and possess other qualifications as prescribed by parliamentary law.
Article 85: Sessions of Parliament, Prorogation, and Dissolution
Detailing the summoning, prorogation, and dissolution of Parliament, Article 85 empowers the President to ensure regular sessions, with specific guidelines during emergencies. This article forms the temporal framework within which parliamentary proceedings unfold.
Article 86: Right of President to Address and Send Messages to Houses
Article 86 vests the President with the authority to address or send messages to either or both Houses of Parliament, facilitating executive communication and coordination.
Article 87: Special Address by the President
At the commencement of each session, the President addresses both Houses, elucidating the reasons for summoning Parliament. Article 87 institutionalizes this practice, providing a platform for a comprehensive overview.
Article 88: Rights of Ministers and Attorney-General
Article 88 grants ministers and the Attorney-General the right to participate in parliamentary proceedings, albeit without voting privileges. This provision underscores the crucial role of executive voices in the legislative arena.
Info-Bits Related to Parliament
- The Council of States maintains the federal character of India, with membership distribution based on state populations.
- The Supreme Court can strike down unconstitutional provisions of the Constitution, necessitating a parliamentary amendment to remove such provisions.
Conclusion
Articles 79-88 collectively establish the intricate framework within which the Indian Parliament operates. From composition and readjustment to sessions, dissolution, and the rights of key stakeholders, these articles weave the legislative tapestry that upholds the ideals of democracy in India. As we navigate the halls of Parliament, these constitutional provisions serve as the guiding lights of our nation's governance.
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