At the core of India’s vibrant democracy stands its Parliament, symbolizing the hopes and dreams of its diverse populace. Part V of the Constitution, home to Articles 79-88, serves as the guiding light illuminating the path of this revered institution.
History and Background:
Rooted in India’s colonial past and influenced by the Westminster model, the Constituent Assembly meticulously designed the parliamentary system enshrined in the Constitution. The adoption of a bicameral legislature, including the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, reflects a commitment to democratic principles tailored to India’s socio-political realities.
Key Aspects:
- Composition of Parliament: Article 79 establishes Parliament’s composition, comprising the President and two Houses, symbolizing the tripartite structure of governance.
- Representation and Seat Allocation: Articles 80, 81, and 82 outline principles for seat allocation, ensuring proportional representation and periodic delimitation to accommodate demographic changes.
- Duration and Sessions: Articles 83, 84, and 85 define Parliament’s tenure, membership qualifications, and procedural aspects such as summoning and dissolution of sessions.
- Presidential Address and Messages: Articles 86 and 87 empower the President to address and send messages to Parliament, fostering executive-legislative dialogue.
- Rights of Ministers and Attorney-General: Article 88 delineates the rights of Ministers and the Attorney-General to participate in parliamentary proceedings, enhancing accountability and transparency.
Current Scenario:
In today’s dynamic political landscape, Articles 79-88 continue to shape parliamentary discourse. Recent legislative debates underscore the enduring relevance of these provisions in facilitating democratic governance. From significant bills to policy initiatives, Parliament serves as a forum for diverse perspectives to converge in the national interest.
Articles 79-88:
Articles 79-88 epitomize the essence of India’s parliamentary democracy, characterized by representation, accountability, and dialogue. These provisions serve as the foundation of governance, fostering an ecosystem where voices are heard, decisions are debated, and laws are enacted for the common good. As India progresses on its democratic path, Articles 79-88 serve as guiding principles, steering the nation towards an inclusive and equitable future.
| Article | Title | Key Points |
| 79 | Constitution of Parliament | Composition of Parliament: President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha |
| 80 | Composition of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) | Allocation of seats in Rajya Sabha to states and union territories |
| 81 | Composition of the House of the People (Lok Sabha) | Allocation of seats in Lok Sabha to states and union territories based on population |
| 82 | Allocation of seats in the House of the People (Lok Sabha) | Delimitation of parliamentary constituencies and allocation of seats based on population |
| 83 | Duration of Houses of Parliament | Tenure of Lok Sabha (maximum of five years) and continuous existence of Rajya Sabha |
| 84 | Qualifications for membership of Parliament | Eligibility criteria for individuals seeking membership in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including citizenship and age |
| 85 | Sessions of Parliament, prorogation, and dissolution | Procedural aspects of summoning, prorogation, and dissolution of Parliament’s sessions |
| 86 | Right of President to address and send messages to Houses | President’s authority to address and send messages to either House or both Houses of Parliament |
| 87 | Special address by the President | The President holds the privilege to address and communicate messages to both Houses of Parliament, fostering a vital channel for executive-legislative interaction |
| 88 | Rights of Ministers and Attorney-General as to Houses | Rights of Ministers and Attorney-General to participate in and address either House of Parliament |
In essence, Articles 79-88 of the Indian Constitution encapsulate the spirit of parliamentary governance, anchoring India’s democratic edifice on the principles of representation, accountability, and dialogue.
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Read Also- Article 73-78
