Unit 6.1: The Parliament – LS vs RS, Speaker, and Parliamentary Terms (Zero Hour).

Type 1 – Detailed Notes

Introduction & Significance

The Parliament of India (Articles 79–122) consists of the President, Lok Sabha (LS: House of the People), and Rajya Sabha (RS: Council of States). LS represents direct democracy, RS ensures federalism and continuity. The Speaker presides over LS, maintaining order. Zero Hour is a procedural innovation for urgent public issues.

• Exam Weightage: 3–5 questions in SSC CGL/CHSL (focus on compositions, powers, terms); 2–4 in RRB NTPC/ALP (MCQs on Speaker, sessions); high in State PSCs like BPSC/UPPSC (comparisons, procedures).
• Significance: Borrowed from UK (bicameralism); balances popular will (LS) with state equality (RS). Speaker's role akin to neutral arbiter.
• Current Relevance (Feb 2026): 17th LS dissolved 2024; 18th LS (elected 2024) has 543 members (BJP 240, no majority). Om Birla re-elected Speaker (June 2024). RS has 245 members (vacancies post-retirements). Zero Hour used in 2025 Winter Session for Telangana state issues (e.g., federal funds). Links to delayed 106th Amendment (Women's Reservation post-delimitation) affecting LS/RS seats.

Chronological Timeline

• 1919: GOI Act introduces bicameral Central Legislature (Council of State, Legislative Assembly).
• 1935: GOI Act strengthens bicameralism.
• 1947: Constituent Assembly acts as provisional Parliament.
• 1950: Constitution enforced; Articles 79 (Parliament), 80–81 (RS/LS composition).
• 1952: First LS elections; RS constituted.
• 1954: 2nd Amendment removes RS upper limit (250).
• 1976: 42nd Amendment extends LS/RS term to 6 years (reversed by 44th, 1978).
• 1985: 52nd Amendment (anti-defection) empowers Speaker on disqualifications.
• 2003: 91st Amendment strengthens anti-defection.
• 2023: 106th Amendment reserves 33% seats for women (delayed post-census).
• 2024: 18th LS formed; Om Birla Speaker (voice vote).
• 2025: RS biennial elections; Zero Hour debates on new criminal laws (BNS/BNSS/BSA).

Concept Explanation / Deep Dive

Parliament is bicameral: LS (lower, temporary, money powers) vs RS (upper, permanent, revisory). Speaker (Article 93) elected by LS, handles proceedings, decides money bills (Article 110). Zero Hour: Post-Question Hour (11 AM–12 PM), starts at 12 noon; members raise urgent matters without prior notice (convention since 1962, not in rules).

• Evolution: From colonial assemblies to post-1950 federal model. LS dissolved early (e.g., 1998, 1999); RS never dissolves (1/3 retire every 2 years).
• Provisions: LS: Max 552 (530 states + 20 UTs + 2 Anglo-Indian, lapsed 2020). RS: 250 (238 states/UTs + 12 nominated). Speaker: Casting vote, no vote initially.
• Procedures: LS/RS summoning (Article 85, twice yearly); Speaker election simple majority. Zero Hour: 3-minute limit per issue.
• Linkages: Article 81 ? Borrowed from UK ? Case: Union vs Association for Democratic Reforms (2002, candidate disclosures) ? Current: 2024 ethics committee probes in LS.

Key Terminology Box

• Lok Sabha (LS): Lower House, directly elected (Article 81).
• Rajya Sabha (RS): Upper House, indirect (Article 80); 'permanent' body.
• Speaker: Presiding officer of LS (Article 93); decides money bill, disqualifies (Schedule X).
• Zero Hour: Informal session post-Question Hour for urgent matters; no rules mention.
• Money Bill: Exclusive LS introduction (Article 110); Speaker certifies.
• Bicameralism: Two-house legislature; borrowed from UK.

Important Constitutional / Factual Details

• Articles: 79 (composition), 80 (RS), 81/83 (LS composition/duration), 85 (sessions), 93–94 (Speaker), 100 (voting), 107–111 (bills).
• Parts/Schedules: Part V (Union); Schedule X (anti-defection, Speaker role).
• Amendments: 2nd (1954: RS limit), 42nd/44th (terms), 52nd/91st (defection), 106th (reservation delayed).
• Committees: None direct; but Parliamentary Committees (e.g., Ethics, under Speaker).
• Cases: Kihoto Hollohan (1992: Speaker's defection decision reviewable); Subhash Kashyap (Speaker neutrality).
• Borrowed Features: Bicameralism (UK ? Indian: RS federal like US Senate); Speaker (UK ? Indian: Anti-defection powers).

Powers, Functions, Relations, Features

• Powers/Functions: LS: Money bills, no-confidence. RS: Revises bills, special powers (Article 249/312). Speaker: Conducts LS, certifies bills, adjourns.
• Features: LS: 5-year term, dissolves; RS: Perpetual, 6-year term. Zero Hour: Flexible, covers notices.
• Relations: LS-RS: Joint sittings (Article 108, Speaker presides). President-Parliament: Summons/prorogues. Centre-State: RS represents states.
• Legislative Links: Bills lapse on LS dissolution (not RS); Speaker decides bill type.

Frequently Asked Exam Facts

• Firsts: First Speaker (GV Mavalankar, 1952); First woman Speaker (Meira Kumar, 2009); First Zero Hour (1962).
• Numbers: LS 543 (current); RS 245 (233 elected + 12 nominated); Sessions min 2/year.
• Exceptions: Speaker votes only in tie; RS can't introduce money bills.
• High-Yield: Anglo-Indian nomination lapsed (104th Amendment, 2020).

Comparison Tables / Charts

Solved Example Questions

1. Question: Which House of Parliament has exclusive power to introduce Money Bills? Answer: Lok Sabha. Explanation: Article 109; RS can only recommend amendments.
2. Question: The Speaker of Lok Sabha is elected by? Answer: Members of Lok Sabha. Explanation: Article 93; simple majority, from among members.
3. Question: Zero Hour in Parliament refers to? Answer: Time for raising urgent matters without prior notice. Explanation: Starts at 12 noon; not mentioned in rules, convention.
4. Question: How many members are nominated by the President to Rajya Sabha? Answer: 12. Explanation: Article 80; from literature, art, science, social service.
5. Question: In case of a tie in Lok Sabha, who has the casting vote? Answer: The Speaker. Explanation: Article 100; Speaker doesn't vote initially.
6. Question: From which country's legislature is the Rajya Sabha's federal representation borrowed? Answer: USA. Explanation: Like Senate, equal state rep (adapted to population-based).

Flowchart Summary

Parliament Session Process (Text-Based): President Summons (Art. 85) ? Question Hour (11–12) ? Zero Hour (12+) ? Business (Bills/Debates) ? Adjournment (Speaker/VP) ? Prorogation (President) ? End.

Speaker Election: LS Convenes ? Motion by Member ? Voting (Simple Majority) ? Oath ? Presides.

Ultra-Short Exam Capsule

1. Article 79: Parliament composition.
2. LS: 543 members, 5 years.
3. RS: 245 members, perpetual.
4. Borrowed: LS from UK, RS from US.
5. Speaker: Article 93, casting vote.
6. Zero Hour: 12 noon, urgent issues.
7. Money Bill: LS exclusive (Art. 110).
8. Joint Sitting: Art. 108, Speaker presides.
9. Nominated RS: 12 by President.
10. Sessions: Min 2/year (Art. 85).
11. Anti-Defection: Schedule X, Speaker decides.
12. Case: Kihoto (1992) – Defection review.
13. Current Speaker: Om Birla (2024–).
14. 106th Amend: Women reservation delayed.
15. Anglo-Indian: Lapsed 2020.

Type 2 – Quick Revision & Exam Tricks

Highlights & High-Yield Points

• Core: Parliament bicameral; LS people rep, RS states; Speaker LS neutral; Zero Hour flexible.
• Amendments: 106th (delayed reservation); 91st (defection).
• Borrowed: UK (bicameral, Speaker); US (RS federal).
• Linkages: Art. 110 ? UK ? Ashok Kumar (2012 case, Speaker's money bill decision final).
• Exam Focus: Compositions, comparisons, procedures.

Tricky Points, Common Exam Traps

• Trap: RS dissolves – No, perpetual.
• Trap: Speaker elected by both Houses – No, only LS.
• Trap: Zero Hour in rules – No, convention.
• Trap: RS nominates 2 Anglo-Indian – No, President to LS (lapsed).
• Trap: Speaker votes always – No, only tie.

Memory Aids / Mnemonics

• LS vs RS: "Lower Short (5 yrs), Upper Permanent (6 yrs)".
• Speaker Powers: "CMD" (Certify Money bills, Casting vote, Defection decisions).
• Zero Hour: "Zero Notice Urgent" (ZNU).

Quick Bullet-Style Revision Notes

• LS: Direct election, money power, dissolves.
• RS: MLA election, revises, no dissolution.
• Speaker: Elected, adjourns, no initial vote.
• Zero Hour: Post-question, 3-min speeches.
• Sessions: Summon, adjourn, prorogue.
• Current: 18th LS (2024), Birla Speaker.

Confusing or Easily Mistaken Concepts

• LS vs RS Bills: Money in LS only; ordinary both, RS delays 14 days.
• Speaker vs Dy Speaker: Dy acts in absence (Art. 95).
• Zero Hour vs Adjournment Motion: Zero informal; adjournment debates issues.
• Question Hour vs Zero: Questions planned; Zero spontaneous.

Type 3 – PYQs & Expected Questions

Previous Year Questions

• SSC CGL 2020: The Speaker of Lok Sabha is elected by? Final Answer: The members of Lok Sabha.
• RRB NTPC 2021: Zero Hour in the Indian Parliament starts at? Final Answer: 12 noon.
• SSC CHSL 2022: Which House cannot be dissolved? Final Answer: Rajya Sabha.
• UPPSC 2023: Who has the casting vote in Lok Sabha? Final Answer: Speaker.
• SSC MTS 2019: How many members are nominated to Rajya Sabha by the President? Final Answer: 12.
• BPSC 2024: Money Bills can be introduced only in? Final Answer: Lok Sabha.

Expected/High-Probability Questions

• Composition changes post-106th Amendment delay (trend: Reservation issues).
• Speaker's role in anti-defection cases (pattern: Ethics in PSCs).
• Differences: LS vs RS powers in legislation (high-prob: Bill procedures).
• Origin and significance of Zero Hour (scope: Parliamentary innovations).
• Borrowed features of Indian Parliament (trend: Sources in RRB).
• Judicial review of Speaker's decisions (exam-centric: Kihoto case).
• Current: Impact of 2024 elections on LS majority (high-prob: Coalition dynamics).