UPSC CSE Prelims
Parliament Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1 — Incorrect. Unstarred questions require a written answer — NOT oral. The written reply is deemed to be laid on the Table of the House by the concerned Minister.

Statement 2 — Incorrect. Starred questions (marked with *) require an oral answer on the floor of the House — NOT written.

Statement 3 — Correct. Since unstarred questions are answered in writing, no supplementary (follow-up) questions can be asked on them. Supplementary questions can only be asked after oral replies to:

• Starred questions
• Short Notice Questions

Quick Reference Table:

Key Trick: Statements 1 and 2 are exact swaps of each other — a classic UPSC reversal trap.

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1 — Incorrect. The Chairperson is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha — NOT the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

Statement 2 — Incorrect. The composition is reversed:

• 20 members → elected by Lok Sabha
• 10 members → elected by Rajya Sabha

Statement 3 — Incorrect. No Minister is eligible to be a member — there is absolutely no exception, not even for the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. If a member is appointed Minister after election, they immediately cease to be a member.

Statement 4 — Incorrect. The term does not exceed one year — NOT two years. It is reconstituted annually, like other major standing committees (PAC, Estimates Committee).

All Four Statements are Wrong — Quick Reference:

Detailed Explanation:

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha continues in office even after the House is dissolved and remains in position until just before the first meeting of the newly elected Lok Sabha. Also, the Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of the House after giving 14 days' notice.

However, the Constitution does not require a Speaker to resign from his/her political party upon election. Political neutrality is expected as a convention, not a constitutional requirement.

Why other statements are wrong:

📝 Short Notes: Speaker of Lok Sabha

Key Fact:
The Speaker is expected to act impartially, but unlike in some countries, the Indian Constitution does not require the Speaker to give up party membership.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — 2 and 3

Prorogation and dissolution are two distinct powers exercised by the President of India concerning Parliament. While prorogation is typically done after adjournment sine die, the President can technically prorogue a House even during a session, and this power is exercised on the advice of the Council of Ministers. The Lok Sabha's dissolution also requires the President to act on ministerial advice except in exceptional political circumstances.

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Under Article 85(2), the President prorogues the Houses only on the advice of the Council of Ministers (specifically the Prime Minister or Cabinet), not independently.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Though prorogation usually follows adjournment sine die, there is no constitutional bar preventing the President from proroguing a House while it is still in session.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The President dissolves the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Council of Ministers, except in rare circumstances like a hung parliament, vote of no confidence, or constitutional crisis.

📝 Short Notes: Prorogation and Dissolution of Parliament

• Adjournment: Temporary suspension of a sitting of Parliament until the next meeting, decided by the presiding officer (Speaker/Chairman).
• Adjournment Sine Die: Indefinite adjournment without fixing a date for the next meeting; terminates a session but not formally.
• Prorogation: Formal termination of a session by the President under Article 85(2), done on the advice of the Council of Ministers; ends all pending business of committees but not bills pending before the House.
• Dissolution: Applies only to Lok Sabha, not Rajya Sabha; brings the entire House to an end, requiring fresh elections; all pending bills (except those pending in Rajya Sabha or joint sitting) lapse.
• Constitutional Provisions: Article 85 deals with sessions, prorogation, and dissolution; Article 352-360 deal with Emergency provisions that can affect parliamentary functioning.
• President's Role: The President summons, prorogues, and dissolves Parliament, but acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers as per Article 74.
• Exception to Ministerial Advice: In hung parliaments or political crises, the President may exercise discretion in dissolution matters, though this remains constitutionally debated.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 1 and 2

When the Lok Sabha is dissolved, bills pending in the Lok Sabha and bills passed by the Lok Sabha but pending in the Rajya Sabha automatically lapse. However, a bill in respect of which the President has notified his intention to summon a joint sitting does not lapse on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, as the joint sitting mechanism continues to remain valid.

✅ Statement 1 (Bill pending in Lok Sabha) – Correct: A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses automatically upon the dissolution of the Lok Sabha as the dissolution terminates all pending legislative business in that House.

✅ Statement 2 (Bill passed by Lok Sabha, pending in Rajya Sabha) – Correct: A bill passed by the Lok Sabha but pending in the Rajya Sabha also lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, as it is considered a bill originating from the Lok Sabha.

❌ Statement 3 (Bill notified for joint sitting) – Incorrect: A bill in respect of which the President has notified his intention to summon the Houses to a joint sitting does not lapse on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha and can be taken up in the joint sitting after the new Lok Sabha is constituted.

📝 Short Notes: Lapsing of Bills in Parliament

• Bills pending in Lok Sabha: All bills pending in the Lok Sabha lapse upon its dissolution, except those already passed and sent to the Rajya Sabha or those pending President's assent.
• Bills passed by Lok Sabha: Bills passed by the Lok Sabha but pending in the Rajya Sabha lapse on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
• Bills pending in Rajya Sabha only: Bills originating and pending only in the Rajya Sabha do not lapse on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, as the Rajya Sabha is a permanent House.
• Bills notified for joint sitting: Bills in respect of which the President has notified his intention to summon a joint sitting do not lapse and can be taken up in the joint sitting after reconstitution of the Lok Sabha.
• Bills pending President's assent: Bills that have been passed by both Houses and are pending the President's assent do not lapse on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
• Constitutional Bills: Bills pending at any stage, including constitutional amendment bills, follow the same lapsing rules as ordinary bills.
• Rajya Sabha as permanent House: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is never dissolved, hence bills originating and remaining only in it do not lapse due to Lok Sabha's dissolution.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — 1 only

Article 96 of the Indian Constitution governs the conduct of the Speaker during the consideration of their removal resolution. The Speaker is barred from presiding over the House during such proceedings but retains all other rights as a member, including the right to speak and vote in the first instance.

✅ Statement 1 (Presiding Restriction) – Correct: Under Article 96(1), the Speaker shall not preside over the House while a resolution for their removal is under consideration, even if present.

❌ Statement 2 (Right to Speak) – Incorrect: Under Article 96(2), the Speaker retains the right to speak and participate in the proceedings of the House during the consideration of the removal resolution.

❌ Statement 3 (Voting Rights) – Incorrect: According to Article 96(2), the Speaker is entitled to vote in the first instance on the resolution; they only lose the casting vote (second vote to break a tie) in this scenario.

📝 Short Notes: Speaker of Lok Sabha and Removal Process

• Election: The Speaker is elected by the members of Lok Sabha from amongst themselves, usually from the majority party, immediately after the constitution of a new House.
• Constitutional Provisions: Articles 93-96 deal with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, including their election, removal, and powers.
• Removal Process: A resolution for removal requires 14 days' notice and must be passed by a majority of all the then members of the House (not just those present and voting).
• Presiding Restrictions (Article 96(1)): During the consideration of a removal resolution, the Speaker cannot preside but may remain present in the House.
• Member Rights (Article 96(2)): The Speaker retains the right to speak and participate in proceedings, and can vote in the first instance but not exercise a casting vote on their own removal resolution.
• Neutrality Expectation: After election, the Speaker is expected to sever ties with their political party and maintain impartiality in conducting House proceedings.
• Powers and Functions: The Speaker maintains order in the House, decides on questions of privilege, certifies Money Bills, and exercises various administrative and disciplinary powers.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct regarding the Union Budget. The Constitution of India mandates that the President causes the Annual Financial Statement to be laid before Parliament, which is done in practice by the Union Finance Minister. Additionally, no demand for a grant can be made at the Union level without the recommendation of the President, ensuring executive control over public expenditure.

✅ Statement 1 (Presentation of Budget) – Correct: Under Article 112, the President causes the Annual Financial Statement (Union Budget) to be laid before both Houses of Parliament, which is presented in practice by the Union Finance Minister on behalf of the President.

✅ Statement 2 (Demand for Grants) – Correct: Article 113(3) explicitly provides that no demand for a grant shall be made except on the recommendation of the President of India, ensuring executive control over expenditure proposals from the Consolidated Fund of India.

📝 Short Notes: Union Budget and Financial Procedure

• Annual Financial Statement (Article 112): The President causes the Annual Financial Statement (Union Budget) to be laid before both Houses of Parliament for each financial year, showing estimated receipts and expenditure.
• Contents of Budget: The Budget distinguishes expenditure as (a) charged on the Consolidated Fund of India (non-votable), and (b) made from the Consolidated Fund of India (votable by Parliament).
• Demand for Grants (Article 113): Expenditure from the Consolidated Fund requires parliamentary approval through demands for grants. No such demand can be made without the President's recommendation.
• Appropriation Bill (Article 114): After grants are voted, the Appropriation Bill is introduced to authorize the withdrawal of money from the Consolidated Fund to meet the approved expenditure.
• Finance Bill (Article 110): A Money Bill containing provisions for taxation and other financial matters is introduced to give effect to the financial proposals of the government.
• Vote on Account (Article 116): Parliament can make an advance grant for a part of the financial year pending the voting of the main budget demands.
• Guillotine: A procedural device where all remaining demands for grants are put to vote simultaneously on the last day allotted for discussion, ensuring budget passage within the stipulated time.

Detailed Explanation:

Correct Answer: Option 3 (1, 2 and 3)

A Money Bill deals only with matters listed under Article 110 of the Constitution, such as taxation, borrowing, and expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha has limited powers regarding it.

✅ Statement 1 is Correct: Article 109 provides the special procedure for passing a Money Bill.

✅ Statement 2 is Correct: A Money Bill cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

✅ Statement 3 is Correct: Rajya Sabha can only recommend changes within 14 days; it cannot reject a Money Bill.

❌ Statement 4 is Incorrect: Lok Sabha is not bound to accept the recommendations made by Rajya Sabha.

Short Notes: Money Bill

• Article 110 defines a Money Bill.

• A Money Bill can be introduced only in Lok Sabha.

• Prior recommendation of the President is required before introduction.

• The Speaker of Lok Sabha certifies whether a Bill is a Money Bill.

• Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations and must return it within 14 days.

• Lok Sabha may accept or reject Rajya Sabha's recommendations.

• If Rajya Sabha does not return the Bill within 14 days, it is deemed passed.

• There is no provision for a joint sitting in case of a Money Bill.

Detailed Explanation:

Correct Answer: ✅ Option 3 — Statements 1 and 3 only

The Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha examines complaints related to unethical conduct by Members of Parliament and recommends appropriate action. It was initially formed as an ad-hoc body and later became a permanent committee.

✅ Statement 1 is Correct: The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee was first constituted as an ad-hoc committee in 2000 and became a permanent committee in 2015.

❌ Statement 2 is Incorrect: Complaints can originate from any person. If the complainant is not an MP, the complaint must be forwarded by a Lok Sabha Member.

✅ Statement 3 is Correct: The Committee does not examine sub-judice matters, i.e., matters currently under consideration by a court of law.

Short Notes: Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha

• Constituted initially as an ad-hoc committee in 2000.

• Became a permanent committee in 2015.

• Examines cases involving unethical conduct of Members of Parliament.

• Frames and enforces standards of parliamentary ethics and conduct.

• Can recommend disciplinary action against members.

• Complaints may be initiated by citizens but require forwarding by an MP.

• Cannot take up sub-judice matters.

• Helps maintain the dignity and credibility of Parliament.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — Only two

This question tests the understanding of parliamentary procedures for Finance Bills and Money Bills. Out of the three statements, two are correct (Statements 1 and 2), while Statement 3 is incorrect because joint sitting is not mandatory but discretionary for Finance Bills.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Finance Bill (Category I under Article 117) follows ordinary legislative procedure, so Rajya Sabha can amend or reject it.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Money Bill (Article 110) cannot be rejected or amended by Rajya Sabha; it can only make recommendations within 14 days.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Joint sitting is not available for Money Bills (correct), but it is not "necessary" (mandatory) for Finance Bills—under Article 108, the President "may" summon a joint sitting at discretion.

📝 Short Notes: Finance Bill vs Money Bill

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 2 only

The question asks about the exclusive powers of the Lok Sabha. Among the three statements given, only the power to pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers is exclusive to the Lok Sabha, as the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible only to the Lok Sabha under Article 75(3).

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The power to ratify the declaration of Emergency is not exclusive to the Lok Sabha; both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) must approve any proclamation of Emergency within one month of its issue, as per Article 352.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Passing a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers is an exclusive power of the Lok Sabha, since the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible only to the Lok Sabha (Article 75(3)), and the Rajya Sabha has no such power.

❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Impeachment of the President is not an exclusive power of the Lok Sabha; either House of Parliament can initiate the impeachment process under Article 61, and the charge must be sustained by both Houses with special majorities.

📝 Short Notes: Exclusive Powers of Lok Sabha

• Motion of No-Confidence: Only Lok Sabha can move a no-confidence motion against the Council of Ministers (Article 75(3)); Rajya Sabha cannot do so.
• Money Bills: Money Bills can be introduced only in Lok Sabha (Article 110); Rajya Sabha can only recommend amendments within 14 days.
• Demands for Grants: Only Lok Sabha has the power to vote on demands for grants and pass the annual budget.
• Confidence of the House: The Council of Ministers holds office only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
• Control over Executive: Primary control over the executive rests with Lok Sabha through collective responsibility provisions.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — 1 and 3 only

This question tests the constitutional and procedural aspects of the office of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha. Statements 1 and 3 are correct regarding the election process and powers of the Deputy Speaker, while statements 2 and 4 are incorrect as they refer to non-existent mandatory provisions and practices.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: As per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the election date of Deputy Speaker is fixed by the Speaker, whereas the Speaker's election date is fixed by the President.

❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: There is no mandatory constitutional or statutory provision that the Deputy Speaker must be from the opposition or ruling party; it is merely a convention (not always followed) that the position is offered to the opposition.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: When presiding over the House, the Deputy Speaker enjoys the same powers and dignity as the Speaker, and no appeal lies against his rulings during that period.

❌ Statement 4 – Incorrect: There is no established parliamentary practice that the motion for Deputy Speaker is moved by the Speaker and seconded by the Prime Minister; the Deputy Speaker is elected by the House through a motion moved by members.

📝 Short Notes: Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

• Election: Elected by the Lok Sabha members after the Speaker's election; date fixed by the Speaker (not President).
• No Constitutional Provision: The Constitution does not specifically mention the office of Deputy Speaker; it is created under the Rules of Procedure.
• Convention (not mandatory): Usually offered to opposition party as a convention, but not legally binding.
• Powers: Enjoys same powers as Speaker when presiding; performs Speaker's duties in absence.
• Removal: Can be removed by a resolution passed by majority of all then members of Lok Sabha; 14 days' notice required.
• Vacation of Office: Vacates office if ceases to be a member, on resignation, or on removal.
• No Appeal: No appeal lies against rulings given by Deputy Speaker while presiding over the House.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — amending the Constitution

The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have equal powers in the matter of constitutional amendments under Article 368. For any constitutional amendment to be valid, it must be passed by a special majority (majority of total membership and two-thirds of members present and voting) in both Houses of Parliament. In contrast, the Rajya Sabha has limited or no powers in matters of creating All India Services (only recommendatory role), removal of government (only Lok Sabha can pass a no-confidence motion), and making cut motions (exclusively a Lok Sabha privilege on money matters).

📝 Short Notes: Powers of Rajya Sabha vs Lok Sabha

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — 1 and 3 only

Statement 1 is correct as Article 85(1) empowers the President to summon Parliament at such time and place as deemed fit. Statement 3 is correct since neither the Constitution nor the Rules of Procedure mandate a minimum number of sitting days for Parliament. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Constitution does not explicitly provide for three sessions; it only requires that the gap between sessions should not exceed six months.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Article 85(1) grants the President the power to summon each House of Parliament to meet at such time and place as he/she thinks fit.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The Constitution does not provide for three sessions; it only mandates that six months shall not intervene between sessions (Article 85). The practice of three sessions (Budget, Monsoon, Winter) is based on convention, not constitutional provision.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: There is no constitutional or procedural requirement for a minimum number of sitting days for Parliament in a year.

📝 Short Notes: Parliamentary Sessions

• Article 85(1): President summons each House of Parliament at such time and place as deemed fit.
• Article 85(2): President may prorogue the Houses from time to time.
• Six-Month Rule: Maximum gap between two sessions cannot exceed six months (Article 85).
• Sessions by Convention: Three sessions are held traditionally—Budget Session (February-May), Monsoon Session (July-August), and Winter Session (November-December).
• No Minimum Days: Constitution does not prescribe minimum sitting days or number of sessions per year.
• Quorum: One-tenth of total members is required for conducting proceedings (Article 100).

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — 1 and 2

In India, independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, and electricity are primarily reviewed by Parliamentary mechanisms. Ad Hoc Committees (including Joint Parliamentary Committees) are set up for specific investigations or reviews of regulatory bodies, while Department Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) regularly examine the annual reports, budgets, and performance of regulators under their respective ministries, ensuring executive accountability.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Ad Hoc Committees, including Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs), are established by Parliament to review specific regulatory bodies or investigate irregularities in their functioning.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) systematically review the performance, annual reports, and budgetary allocations of independent regulators falling under their respective ministries.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The Finance Commission (Article 280) primarily deals with distribution of financial resources between the Union and States, not with reviewing sectoral regulators.
❌ Statement 4 – Incorrect: The Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) was a temporary body created to recommend legal reforms in the financial sector; it does not conduct ongoing reviews of regulators.
❌ Statement 5 – Incorrect: NITI Aayog is a policy think tank providing strategic advice but lacks statutory authority to formally review or oversee independent regulators.

📝 Short Notes: Parliamentary Oversight of Regulators

• Ad Hoc Committees: Temporary parliamentary committees established for specific purposes, such as investigating irregularities or examining the functioning of particular institutions or regulators (e.g., JPCs).
• Department Related Standing Committees (DRSCs): 24 permanent committees (16 for Lok Sabha, 8 for Rajya Sabha) that examine bills, budgets, and annual reports of ministries and their attached regulators.
• Parliamentary Accountability: Independent regulators, despite autonomy, remain accountable to Parliament through committee scrutiny, questions, and debates.
• Examples of Regulators: TRAI (Telecom), IRDAI (Insurance), SEBI (Securities), CERC (Electricity), etc.
• Finance Commission: Constitutional body (Article 280) focused on fiscal federalism—distribution of taxes and grants between Centre and States.
• NITI Aayog: Policy commission replacing Planning Commission; provides strategic inputs but has no regulatory oversight mandate.