Actual Article
Article 79: Constitution of Parliament
There shall be a Parliament for the Union which shall consist of the President and two Houses to be known respectively as the Council of States and the House of the People.
UPSC Notes for Article 79
Explanation:
- Parliament Composition: Article 79 establishes the Parliament of India, which is composed of the President, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), and the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
- Bicameral Structure: The article confirms the bicameral nature of the Indian Parliament, ensuring representation at both federal and national levels.
- President’s Role: The President of India is an integral part of the Parliament, signifying the unity of the executive and legislative branches.
Key Points:
- Bicameral Parliament: Ensures a system with two houses, allowing for comprehensive legislative review and representation.
- President’s Involvement: Highlights the President’s role in the legislative process, including summoning, proroguing, and dissolving the Lok Sabha.
- Federal Structure: Reflects the federal structure of India, with the Rajya Sabha representing states and union territories, and the Lok Sabha representing the people of India.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 79
Cases:
- Kehar Singh vs. Union of India (1988): Emphasized the President’s constitutional role in the legislative process as part of Parliament.
- Ramdas Athawale vs. Union of India (2010): Discussed the roles and privileges of the members of Parliament and the President’s involvement.
Commissions:
- Sarkaria Commission (1983): Analyzed Centre-State relations, providing insights into the composition and functioning of the Parliament, including the role of the Rajya Sabha.
- National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) (2002): Recommended measures to improve the efficiency and functioning of the Parliament.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 79
- (UPSC Prelims 2014) Which of the following statements regarding the Parliament of India is correct?
- A. It consists of the Lok Sabha only
- B. It consists of the Rajya Sabha only
- C. It consists of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- D. It consists of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha Correct Answer: D. It consists of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha
- (UPSC Prelims 2019) In the context of the Constitution of India, the term ‘Council of States’ refers to which of the following?
- A. Lok Sabha
- B. Rajya Sabha
- C. State Legislative Councils
- D. None of the above Correct Answer: B. Rajya Sabha
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 79
- Mains 2017: “Discuss the significance of the bicameral nature of the Indian Parliament as established by Article 79. How does this structure contribute to the federal character of India?”
- Mains 2020: “Analyze the role of the President as a part of the Parliament under Article 79. How does this inclusion affect the legislative process in India?”
Additional Insights:
- Legislative Process: The inclusion of the President in the Parliament signifies the final assent required for a bill to become a law, emphasizing the checks and balances within the legislative process.
- Representation: The bicameral system ensures broader representation, with the Rajya Sabha representing the states and union territories and the Lok Sabha representing the populace, thus catering to diverse interests.
- Efficiency and Review: The two-house system allows for detailed scrutiny of legislation, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of laws passed.
Understanding Article 79 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it lays the foundation for the structure and composition of the Indian Parliament. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, providing a comprehensive understanding of the legislative framework and its role in the Indian democratic system.