Indian Parliament – Functions of Indian Parliament

The legislative powers of the federal government lie within the parliament of India. Thus, the laws that are framed by the parliament of India are enforced throughout the country. In India, the parliament is divided into two categories, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Thus, the functions of Indian parliament depend on the various power given by the government. So, the laws made by the parliament are executed by both the houses.

Functions of Indian Parliament

The functions of parliament are divided based on the powers it has. These are

• Executive powers
• Legislative powers
• Constituent powers
• Judicial powers
• Financial powers
• Electoral powers
• Executive powers

The executive is responsible for the acts and policies of the parliament. This enacted by the parliament form of the government. Thus, there are various measures that the parliament uses to control.

These are questioned hour, committees, zero hours, etc. Furthermore, ministers are also collectively responsible for the measures taken in the parliament.

Browse more Topics under Indian Constitution

• Constitution of India: Historical Background
• Features of the Indian Constitution
• Preamble
• Union and Its Territory (Article 1 – 4)
• Citizenship (Article 5-11)
• Fundamental Rights – Right to Equality
• Fundamental Rights – Right to Freedom
• Fundamental Rights – Right against Exploitation (Very Short Article)
• Fundamental Rights – Right to Freedom of Religion
• Fundamental Rights – Cultural and Educational Rights
• Fundamental Rights – Saving of Certain Laws
• Fundamental Rights – Right to Constitutional Remedies
• Directive Principles of State Policy
• Emergency Provision and Special Provisions of the Indian Constitution
• Indian Parliament – Structure of Indian Parliament

Legislative Powers

There are many subjects in our constitution and they are divided among the state, union, and concurrent lists. Thus, in the concurrent list, the parliamentary law overrules the legislative law of the state. Furthermore, the constitution also has the powers to make the law in the following circumstances:

• When the national emergency is under the operation.
• When the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution act.
• If it is required by two or more states to request the parliament.
• When the rule of the president is under operation.
• Also, when it is important to give recognition to international treaties, agreements, and conventions.

Constituent Powers

This is a simple function of parliament. Within this power, the parliament can pass any law that is required. Also, it can be done to amend the constitution.

Judicial Powers

Within this power, there are different functions of parliament associated. This power includes functions like

• Removing the vice president
• Impeaching the president in reference to the violation of the constitution
• Punishing various members for breach of privileges like serving as a member while he/she is still under oath. Also, sitting in the house when the member themselves knows that they are not eligible.
• Removing the judges of the high court and supreme court.

Financial Powers

This power has various functions in it. It includes scrutinizing the performance of the government particularly with respect to financial committees. Also, it includes the enactment of the budget.

Executive Functions

The parliament of India also consists of the political executive. There are various ways through which the parliament exerts the control over the executive. This is done through zero hours, question hour, adjournment motion, calling attention motion, etc.

Thus, to establish this, members of various political parties are nominated for the parliamentary discussion. These committees help the parliament to control the government.

It is mentioned in article 75 of the constitution that the council of ministers can stay in the office as far as it does enjoy the confidence of the Lok Sabha. Also, the ministers are responsible for the Lok Sabha individually as well as collectively. Thus, Lok Sabha also has the right to remove the council by passing a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha.

Practice Questions Functions of Indian Parliament

Q. The ideas of the preamble for the Indian constitution was borrowed mostly from

A. French government

B. Spanish government

C. USA government

D. Italian government

Answer: C. USA government