Q. Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha?
1. To ratify the declaration of Emergency
2. To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers
3. To impeach the President of India
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3
d) 3 only
Correct Answer: b) 2 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2022 GS Paper
Explanation :
Lok Sabha Exclusive Powers in India’s Bicameral Parliament
The Lok Sabha, which is the lower house of India’s bicameral Parliament, holds several key powers within the government structure. Among these powers, some are exclusive to the Lok Sabha, distinguishing its role from that of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house.
Ratification of Emergency Declaration
The power to ratify a declaration of Emergency is not exclusive to the Lok Sabha. Both Houses of Parliament, which include the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, need to approve the proclamation of Emergency within one month of the issuance. This approval requires a majority of the total membership of the House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, as per Article 352 of the Indian Constitution.
No-Confidence Motion Against the Council of Ministers
The Lok Sabha does have the exclusive power to pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers. This is a significant power as the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. If a motion of no-confidence is passed by the Lok Sabha, the Council of Ministers is obligated to resign. The provision for this power is found in Article 75 of the Indian Constitution.
Impeachment of the President of India
The impeachment process of the President of India is not an exclusive power of the Lok Sabha. It can be initiated by either House of Parliament. The process involves the signing of impeachment charges by one-fourth of the members of the House and a subsequent 14-day notice period to the President. Following the framing of charges, they must be passed by a two-thirds majority of the total membership of that House. The other House then investigates the charges, and if they also pass the resolution by a two-thirds majority of the total membership, the President is impeached as outlined in Article 61 of the Indian Constitution.
In conclusion, among the options provided, the exclusive power of the Lok Sabha is “2 only,” which refers to the ability to pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers.
