Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha? Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Only 2
Analyzing Exclusive Powers of Lok Sabha
The question asks to identify the exclusive power(s) of the Lok Sabha among the given options. Let's examine each statement to determine if it is a power exercised solely by the Lok Sabha or by both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
Statement 1: To ratify the declaration of Emergency
According to the Constitution of India, a proclamation of Emergency issued by the President must be approved by resolutions of both Houses of Parliament, namely the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, within a specified period. Therefore, the power to ratify the declaration of Emergency is not an exclusive power of the Lok Sabha. It is a power exercised concurrently by both Houses.
Statement 2: To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok Sabha). This is a fundamental principle of parliamentary democracy in India (Article 75(3)). A motion of no-confidence can only be moved in the Lok Sabha. If the motion is passed by a majority of the members of the Lok Sabha present and voting, the Council of Ministers must resign. The Rajya Sabha does not have the power to pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers. Thus, passing a motion of no-confidence is an exclusive power of the Lok Sabha.
Statement 3: To impeach the President of India
The process for the impeachment of the President of India can be initiated in either House of Parliament. One House serves as the initiating House (framing the charge) and the other House investigates the charge. Both Houses are involved in the impeachment process, and the resolution for impeachment requires a special majority in each House. Therefore, the power to impeach the President is not an exclusive power of the Lok Sabha.
Summary of Statement Analysis
- Statement 1: Ratification of Emergency requires approval from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- Statement 2: Passing a motion of no-confidence can only be done in the Lok Sabha.
- Statement 3: Impeachment of the President involves both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Based on the analysis, only Statement 2 describes an exclusive power of the Lok Sabha.
| Statement | Exclusive Power of Lok Sabha? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| To ratify the declaration of Emergency | No | Requires approval of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. |
| To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers | Yes | Council of Ministers is collectively responsible only to Lok Sabha. |
| To impeach the President of India | No | Initiated in either House; both Houses are involved. |
Conclusion on Exclusive Lok Sabha Powers
Out of the given statements, only the power to pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers is an exclusive power of the Lok Sabha. The other two powers mentioned are exercised by both Houses of Parliament.
Revision Table: Powers of Parliament Houses
| Power/Procedure | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha | Exclusive to One House? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction of Money Bill | Yes | No (can only recommend changes) | Yes, Lok Sabha |
| Passing Ordinary Bill | Yes | Yes | No |
| Ratification of Emergency Proclamation | Yes | Yes | No |
| Motion of No-Confidence against CoM | Yes | No | Yes, Lok Sabha |
| Impeachment of President | Yes (either initiating or investigating) | Yes (either initiating or investigating) | No |
| Removal of Vice-President | Yes (requires Rajya Sabha resolution first) | Yes (initiates resolution) | Resolution exclusive to Rajya Sabha; requires Lok Sabha concurrence. |
| Creation of All India Services (Article 312) | No | Yes (exclusive power to initiate) | Yes, Rajya Sabha |
Additional Information: Collective Responsibility
The principle of collective responsibility is central to the functioning of a parliamentary government. It means that the entire Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha for all their actions and decisions. If a no-confidence motion is passed, it implies that the Lok Sabha has lost confidence in the Council of Ministers as a whole, and therefore, the entire Council must resign. This accountability mechanism is a key feature that highlights the Lok Sabha's primacy in controlling the executive.
Important Questions from Parliament
- Who among the following official can be invited to give his opinion in the Parliament ?
- Who was the first speaker of the Lok Sabha ?
- The power to recruit the Secretarial staff of the House of the People is vested in:
Consider the following statements:
1) The summoning of the House means convocation
2) Prorogation ends a session
3) Dissolution terminates a House
4) Prorogation of a session can be effected by the leader of the House alone
Out of these which is not true?
- What is true about Censure Motion?
