Composition and Functions of the Parliament of India

The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India. It represents the cornerstone of India’s democratic structure, embodying the principle of parliamentary democracy. Established under the Constitution of India, the Parliament is not merely a law-making body but a forum for national debate, a mechanism for accountability, and the guardian of the public purse.
According to Article 79 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament consists of the President and two Houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).

I. Composition of the Parliament
India follows a bicameral system, meaning the legislature is divided into two distinct houses with different compositions and representative roles.

1. The President of India
Although the President is not a member of either House, they are an integral part of the Parliament. No bill passed by both Houses can become law without the President’s Assent. Furthermore, the President has the power to summon and prorogue the Houses and dissolve the Lok Sabha.

2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
The Rajya Sabha represents the states and union territories of India, acting as a "House of Elders" to provide a second look at legislation.

• Strength: The maximum strength is fixed at 250. Currently, it has 245 members.
• Nomination: 12 members are nominated by the President for their expertise in literature, science, art, and social service.
• Election: Members are elected indirectly by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States through a system of proportional representation.
• Tenure: It is a permanent body and not subject to dissolution. However, one-third of its members retire every second year. Each member serves a six-year term.

3. Lok Sabha (House of the People)
The Lok Sabha is the lower house but carries more weight in matters of finance and direct representation.

• Strength: The maximum strength is 550 (following the removal of the Anglo-Indian nomination).
• Election: Members are chosen by direct election on the basis of Universal Adult Franchise. The country is divided into territorial constituencies.
• Tenure: The normal term is five years, but it can be dissolved earlier by the President. During a Proclamation of Emergency, its term can be extended by one year at a time.

II. Functions of the Parliament
The Parliament of India performs a multi-dimensional role that extends far beyond simple legislation.
1. Legislative Functions
The primary function is to make laws on subjects listed in the Union List and the Concurrent List.

• Process: A proposal for legislation is introduced as a 'Bill'. After being debated and passed by both Houses, it is sent for Presidential assent.
• Ordinances: When Parliament is not in session, the President can promulgate ordinances, which must be approved by Parliament within six weeks of reassembly.

2. Executive Control (Accountability)
In a parliamentary system, the Executive (Council of Ministers) is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. Parliament ensures this accountability through:

• Question Hour: Members can ask ministers questions regarding government policies.
• Motions: Adjournment motions, Censure motions, and No-Confidence Motions are tools used to check the government's power. If a No-Confidence Motion is passed, the government must resign.

3. Financial Functions
The Parliament acts as the custodian of the nation's finances. No tax can be levied and no expenditure can be incurred by the government without parliamentary approval.

• The Budget: The Annual Financial Statement is presented to Parliament.
• Money Bills: These can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has very limited powers regarding Money Bills and can only delay them for 14 days.

4. Constituent Functions
Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution under Article 368. While some amendments require a simple majority, most require a special majority (two-thirds of members present and voting). However, the Parliament cannot alter the "Basic Structure" of the Constitution, as ruled by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case.
5. Judicial Functions
Parliament performs certain quasi-judicial roles, including:

• Impeaching the President for violation of the Constitution.
• Removing judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
• Removing the Vice-President and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
• Punishing its members or outsiders for breach of privilege.

6. Electoral Functions
The Parliament participates in the election of:

• The President (along with State Legislative Assemblies).
• The Vice-President of India.
• The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

III. Conclusion
The Parliament of India is the "mirror of the nation." It is the platform where the grievances of the people are voiced and where national policies are forged. By balancing the interests of the states (Rajya Sabha) with the will of the people (Lok Sabha), the Parliament ensures that the governance of India remains democratic, transparent, and accountable. Its diverse functions—from law-making to judicial oversight—make it the ultimate guardian of the Indian Constitutional vision