Q. With reference to the Parliament of India, Consider the following statements:
1. Prorogation of a House by the President of India does not require the advice of the Council of Ministers.
2. Prorogation of a House is generally done after the House is adjourned sine die but there is no bar to the President of India proroguing the House which is in session.
3. Dissolution of the Lok Sabha is done by the President of India who, save in exceptional circumstances, does so on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
Correct answer: (c) 2 and 3
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation :
1. Statement 1: “Prorogation ofa a House by the President of India does not require the advice of the Council of Ministers”
– This is FALSE. The President prorogues either House of Parliament only on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
– Like most powers of the President, this too is exercised on ministerial advice under Article 74 of the Constitution.
2. Statement 2: “Prorogation of a House is generally done after the House is adjourned sine die but there is no bar to the President of India proroguing the House which is in session”
– This is CORRECT.
– While prorogation usually follows adjournment sine die, the President can prorogue a House even when it is in session.
– There is no constitutional bar on this power.
3. Statement 3: “Dissolution of the Lok Sabha is done by the President of India who, save in exceptional circumstances, does so on the advice of the Council of Ministers”
– This is CORRECT.
– The President dissolves the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
– In exceptional circumstances (like if no party can form government), the President may exercise discretion.
Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.
The correct answer is (c) 2 and 3.
