Parliamentary Control Over Executive Actions in India

The question asks us to identify which option is NOT a tool used by the Indian Parliament to oversee and control the actions of the executive branch (like the Council of Ministers). Let's examine each option:

Understanding Parliamentary Control Mechanisms

Parliamentary control refers to the various ways the legislature (Parliament) holds the executive accountable and ensures it functions according to the law and public will. In India, Parliament has several methods to achieve this:

• Question Hour: This is a specific time during parliamentary sessions (usually the first hour) where Members of Parliament (MPs) can ask questions to ministers about any aspect of their ministry's work. Ministers must provide answers, making it a direct way to scrutinize executive actions and policies.
• Approval of Government Bills: Bills (proposed laws) introduced by the executive must be debated, discussed, and approved by both houses of Parliament to become law. This process allows Parliament to shape, amend, or reject legislative proposals, thereby controlling the executive's policy direction.
• No-confidence Motion: Article 75(3) of the Indian Constitution states that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (the lower house). If the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion against the government, the entire government must resign. This is a powerful tool for parliamentary accountability.

Differentiating Parliamentary vs. Judicial Control

Now let's look at the remaining option:

• Judicial Review of Executive Actions: This is a crucial function, but it is performed by the judiciary (courts), not the Parliament. Judicial review allows courts to examine the legality and constitutionality of executive actions and laws. If an action is found to be illegal or unconstitutional, the courts can strike it down. While it is a form of control over the executive, it is exercised by a different branch of government (the judiciary) and is therefore not an instrument of parliamentary control.

Conclusion on Control Instruments

Based on the analysis, Question Hour, approval of bills, and no-confidence motions are direct mechanisms through which Parliament exercises control over the executive. Judicial review, however, falls under the purview of the judiciary's power.

Therefore, Judicial review of executive actions is NOT an instrument of parliamentary control over the executive in India.