Lok Sabha is the Lower House of the Parliament of India and represents the people directly. It is the primary legislative body responsible for law-making, financial control, and executive accountability.
Composition
- Maximum strength: 552 members
- Up to 530 from States
- Up to 20 from Union Territories
- 2 members may be nominated (provision earlier for Anglo-Indian community; now discontinued)
- Current strength: 543 elected members
- Members are elected by direct universal adult suffrage.
Tenure
- Normal term: 5 years
- Can be dissolved earlier by the President on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
- Term can be extended during a National Emergency (Article 352).
Presiding Officer
- Speaker of Lok Sabha (elected by members)
- Deputy Speaker assists the Speaker
- Speaker ensures order, interprets rules, and certifies Money Bills.
Powers and Functions
Legislative Powers
- Makes laws on subjects in Union and Concurrent Lists.
- Ordinary Bills require approval of both Houses.
Financial Powers
- Exclusive power over:
- Money Bills (Article 110)
- Voting on Demands for Grants
- Union Budget is presented in the Lok Sabha.
- Rajya Sabha can only recommend changes to Money Bills.
Executive Control
- Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha (Article 75).
- Can remove the government through:
- No-Confidence Motion
- Cut Motions
- Questions, debates, and motions ensure accountability.
Electoral Functions
- Participates in the election of:
- President of India
- Vice-President of India (jointly with Rajya Sabha)
Judicial Powers
- Initiates impeachment of the President.
- Participates in removal of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Sessions
- Meets at least twice a year.
- Key sessions:
- Budget Session
- Monsoon Session
- Winter Session
Special Powers
- Can pass a No-Confidence Motion (only in Lok Sabha).
- Speaker’s certification on Money Bills is final.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 79 – Constitution of Parliament
- Article 81 – Composition of Lok Sabha
- Article 83 – Duration
- Article 110 – Money Bill
- Article 112–117 – Budgetary procedure
Significance
- Embodies popular sovereignty.
- Central to democratic accountability and financial control.
- Stronger chamber compared to Rajya Sabha in fiscal matters.
In essence, Lok Sabha is the cornerstone of India’s parliamentary democracy, directly linking citizens with law-making, governance, and fiscal oversight.
