Unit 6.3: State Legislature – Unicameral vs. Bicameral States.

Introduction & Significance

State Legislatures (Articles 168–212) are the law-making bodies at the state level, mirroring Parliament's structure. Unicameral states have only Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly), while bicameral have Vidhan Sabha + Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council). This setup balances direct representation (Sabha) with indirect/federal elements (Parishad).

• Exam Weightage: 2–4 questions in SSC CGL/CHSL (focus on articles, compositions, abolitions); 1–3 in RRB NTPC/ALP (MCQs on differences, states); high in State PSCs like TSPSC (Telangana-specific, e.g., Parishad role).
• Significance: Borrowed from GOI Act 1935 (provincial bicameralism); promotes federalism in diverse states. Parishad acts as revisory house, preventing hasty legislation.
• Current Relevance (Feb 2026): 22 unicameral states/UTs with legislatures; 6 bicameral (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh). Telangana (bicameral since 2014 bifurcation) saw Parishad debates on new criminal laws (BNS/BNSS/BSA) implementation in 2025. Andhra Pradesh abolition proposal (2020 resolution) pending in Parliament. Links to delayed 106th Amendment (Women's Reservation) – applies to state legislatures post-delimitation, potentially increasing women in Sabha/Parishad.

Chronological Timeline

• 1919: GOI Act introduces dyarchy; some provinces bicameral.
• 1935: GOI Act establishes bicameral legislatures in 6 provinces (e.g., Bihar, Bombay).
• 1947: Constituent Assembly debates; allows optional bicameralism (Article 169).
• 1950: Constitution enforced; Articles 168 (composition), 169 (creation/abolition).
• 1952: First state elections; most states unicameral.
• 1956: States Reorganisation Act; some new states bicameral (e.g., Andhra Pradesh till 1985).
• 1969: Tamil Nadu abolishes Council (Act of Parliament).
• 1985: Andhra Pradesh abolishes Council (Parliament Act).
• 1986: Assam abolishes Council.
• 1987: West Bengal resolution to create Council (pending).
• 2007: Andhra Pradesh revives Council (Parliament Act).
• 2014: Telangana bifurcated from AP; inherits bicameral (Council continues).
• 2019: J&K reorganised as UT; Council abolished.
• 2020: AP Assembly resolves to abolish Council (pending Parliament).
• 2025: No new creations/abolitions; pending resolutions (e.g., Rajasthan 2012 for creation).

Concept Explanation / Deep Dive

State legislatures adapt Parliament's model to federal needs. Unicameral: Simple, cost-effective, direct democracy (only Sabha). Bicameral: Adds checks via Council (indirect election, permanent body). Creation/abolition under Article 169: State assembly resolution + Parliament Act (simple majority).

• Evolution: Colonial bicameral in large provinces ? Post-1950 optional (7 initial bicameral, reduced to 6). Trend towards unicameral for efficiency (e.g., Punjab abolished 1969).
• Provisions: Sabha (Article 170: 60–500 members, direct election); Parishad (Article 171: 1/3 MLAs elect, 1/3 graduates/teachers/local bodies, 1/12 experts, 1/12 nominated by Governor). Term: Sabha 5 years (dissolvable); Parishad perpetual (1/3 retire every 2 years).
• Procedures: Bills: Ordinary in either house; money in Sabha only. Deadlock: No joint sitting (Council delays 3 months, then Sabha overrides). Abolition: Assembly special majority resolution ? Parliament law.
• Linkages: Article 168 ? Borrowed from GOI 1935 ? Case: Kuldip Nayar (2006, open ballot for Council) ? Current: Pending AP abolition amid federal tensions.

Key Terminology Box

• Unicameral Legislature: Single house (Vidhan Sabha only); e.g., Delhi, Gujarat.
• Bicameral Legislature: Two houses (Sabha + Parishad); e.g., Bihar, Telangana.
• Vidhan Sabha: Lower house, directly elected (Article 170); money powers.
• Vidhan Parishad: Upper house, indirect/permanent (Article 171); revisory role.
• Article 169: Creation/abolition of Parishad by Parliament on state resolution.
• Deadlock Resolution: Sabha re-passes after Council delay/rejection (no joint sitting).

Important Constitutional / Factual Details

• Articles: 168 (composition), 169 (creation/abolition), 170 (Sabha), 171 (Parishad), 172 (duration), 173 (qualifications), 213 (ordinances).
• Parts/Schedules: Part VI (States); Schedule VII (lists for legislation).
• Amendments: None direct; but 7th (1956: Reorganisation impacts), 106th (delayed reservation in Sabha/Parishad).
• Committees: Sarkaria (1988: Recommends retaining/creating Councils sparingly); Punchhi (2010: Suggests abolition for small states).
• Cases: Kuldip Nayar vs Union (2006: No domicile for Council members); State of UP vs Ramesh Chandra (1996: Council not mandatory).
• Borrowed Features: Bicameralism (UK/GOI 1935 ? Indian: Optional, weaker upper house vs RS).

Powers, Functions, Relations, Features

• Powers/Functions: Sabha: Money bills, govt formation (CM accountability). Parishad: Revises ordinary bills, delays 3 months (1 month second time).
• Features: Sabha: Dissolvable by Governor; Parishad: Max 1/3 Sabha size, can't be dissolved.
• Relations: Sabha-Parishad: Sabha dominant (overrides). Centre-State: Parliament controls creation/abolition (federal override). Governor-Legislature: Summons/prorogues, reserves bills.
• Legislative/Administrative Links: Concurrent List overlaps; Council elects RS members (with Sabha).

Frequently Asked Exam Facts

• Firsts: First bicameral (Bihar, 1937 under GOI Act); First abolition post-1950 (Punjab, 1969).
• Numbers: 6 bicameral states; Sabha min 60 (max 500); Parishad 1/3 Sabha size.
• Exceptions: UTs like Puducherry (unicameral); J&K UT (unicameral post-2019).
• High-Yield: Article 169 requires Parliament law (simple majority, not amendment).

Comparison Tables / Charts

Solved Example Questions

1. Question: Under which Article can a state create or abolish its Legislative Council? Answer: Article 169. Explanation: Requires state assembly resolution (special majority) + Parliament Act (simple majority).
2. Question: How many states in India have bicameral legislatures? Answer: Six. Explanation: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh.
3. Question: In bicameral states, Money Bills can be introduced in which house? Answer: Vidhan Sabha only. Explanation: Article 196; Parishad has limited role (recommend amendments).
4. Question: The Vidhan Parishad is a permanent body because? Answer: One-third members retire every two years. Explanation: Similar to Rajya Sabha; ensures continuity.
5. Question: Which commission recommended that Legislative Councils should be created or abolished based on need? Answer: Sarkaria Commission. Explanation: 1988; emphasized functional necessity over routine.
6. Question: From which Act is the provision for state bicameral legislatures borrowed? Answer: Government of India Act, 1935. Explanation: Introduced in provinces; adapted as optional in Constitution.

Flowchart Summary

Creation/Abolition of Parishad (Text-Based): State Need Arises ? Assembly Resolution (Special Majority) ? Sent to Parliament ? Parliament Passes Act (Simple Majority) ? President Assent ? Council Created/Abolished ? End.

Bill Passage in Bicameral (Ordinary Bill): Intro in Either House ? Pass First House ? To Second House (Discuss/Amend) ? If Agreed ? Governor Assent ? If Deadlock (Reject/Delay 3 Months) ? Back to Originating House ? Re-pass ? Deemed Passed.

Ultra-Short Exam Capsule

1. Article 168: State legislature composition.
2. Unicameral: 22 states (e.g., Delhi, MP).
3. Bicameral: 6 (AP, Bihar, Karnataka, MH, TS, UP).
4. Borrowed: GOI 1935.
5. Art. 169: Create/abolish Council.
6. Sabha: Direct, 5 years (Art. 170).
7. Parishad: Indirect, perpetual (Art. 171).
8. Money Bill: Sabha only.
9. Deadlock: No joint sitting; Sabha overrides.
10. Case: Kuldip Nayar (2006) – Council election.
11. Committee: Sarkaria (retain sparingly).
12. Min Sabha Size: 60 (Sikkim exception 32).
13. Parishad Size: 1/3 Sabha.
14. Abolitions: TN (1969), AP pending (2020).
15. Current: 6 bicameral (no change 2026).

Type 2 – Quick Revision & Exam Tricks

Highlights & High-Yield Points

• Core: Art. 168–212; unicameral majority (efficient); bicameral optional (checks).
• Amendments: None major; 106th impacts both houses (delayed).
• Borrowed: GOI 1935 ? Indian: Parishad weaker than RS.
• Linkages: Art. 169 ? Sarkaria ? Pending AP abolition ? Federalism.
• Exam Focus: States list, differences, Art. 169 process.

Tricky Points, Common Exam Traps

• Trap: All states bicameral – No, only 6.
• Trap: Parishad dissolves – No, perpetual.
• Trap: Joint sitting in states – No, unlike Parliament (Art. 108).
• Trap: Council creation by state alone – No, needs Parliament.
• Trap: Sabha size fixed – No, varies (60–500).

Memory Aids / Mnemonics

• Bicameral States: "AB KMu TUP" (Andhra, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh).
• Parishad Composition: "MEG GN" (1/3 MLAs, 1/3 Electorates (graduates/local), 1/12 Governor nominate, 1/12 Experts).
• Unicameral Majority: "22 Uni, 6 Bi" (22 unicameral).

Quick Bullet-Style Revision Notes

• Unicameral: Simple, no upper house delays; e.g., Haryana, Kerala.
• Bicameral: Parishad revises; delays ordinary bills 3 months.
• Creation: Assembly (2/3 majority) + Parliament Act.
• Sabha: Elected, money power, CM accountable.
• Parishad: 1/3 retire 2 years; nominates experts.
• Trends: Abolitions > creations (efficiency).

Confusing or Easily Mistaken Concepts

• Sabha vs Parishad: Sabha lower/elected/dominant; Parishad upper/indirect/weaker.
• State vs Parliament: No state joint sitting; Parishad < RS power.
• Art. 169 vs 368: 169 simple law; 368 for amendments.
• UT Legislatures: Some unicameral (Delhi, Puducherry); no Councils.

Type 3 – PYQs & Expected Questions

Previous Year Questions

• SSC CGL 2020: How many states have Legislative Councils? Final Answer: Six.
• RRB NTPC 2021: Under which Article is the composition of State Legislatures provided? Final Answer: Article 168.
• SSC CHSL 2022: Vidhan Parishad can be created or abolished under? Final Answer: Article 169.
• TSPSC 2023: Telangana has which type of legislature? Final Answer: Bicameral.
• SSC MTS 2019: The Vidhan Sabha is also known as? Final Answer: Legislative Assembly.
• UPPSC 2024: Which state does not have a bicameral legislature? Final Answer: Rajasthan.

Expected/High-Probability Questions

• List of bicameral states and recent changes (trend: State reorganizations).
• Procedure for abolishing Legislative Council (pattern: Art. 169 in PSCs).
• Comparison: Powers of Vidhan Sabha vs Parishad (high-prob: Legislation).
• Borrowed features and Indian adaptations (scope: Sources).
• Impact of 106th Amendment on state legislatures (trend: Reservation delays).
• Role of Governor in state bill assents (exam-centric: Federal links).
• Sarkaria/Punchhi recommendations on Councils (high-prob: Reforms).