The State Legislature stands as a cornerstone of India’s federal structure, embodying the democratic ethos and principles of governance within each state. Aspiring civil servants preparing for the UPSC examination delve into the intricate workings of the State Legislature through meticulously curated NCERT notes. These notes serve as indispensable guides, offering a comprehensive understanding of the constitutional framework, legislative procedures, and the pivotal role played by the State Legislature in shaping policies and laws at the state level. With a focus on Indian Polity, these UPSC NCERT notes unravel the nuances of state governance, empowering aspirants with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of public administration and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
The Constitution grants states the flexibility to establish either a unicameral or bicameral legislature, outlined in Articles 168 to 212 in Part V of the Constitution, which addresses the organization, composition, duration, officers, procedures, privileges, powers, and more of the State Legislature.
As per Article 168 of the Indian Constitution, each state is mandated to have a legislature, consisting of the Governor and either one or two Houses of the Legislature.
Organization and Composition of State Legislature
- Article 168 of the Constitution stipulates the establishment of a legislature for each state.
- States with a unicameral system have only the Vidhan Sabha, while those with a bicameral system have both the Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad.
- Six states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, feature a Legislative Council.
- The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council was dismantled in 2019 following the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, which transformed the state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
State Legislature
Governor Legislative Council Legislative Assemblies (Vidhan Parishad) (Vidhan Sabha)
Legislative Council
- The role of the Legislative Council in a state mirrors that of the Rajya Sabha at the Union level.
- This similarity extends to matters such as privileges and immunities of legislatures, member disqualification, the relationship between the two Houses, legislative procedures, the origination of Money Bills, and more.
Composition of the Council
- The Legislative Council’s maximum strength is set at one-third of the total assembly strength, with a minimum of 40 members. Members are elected using the system of proportional representation through the Single Transferable Vote, as outlined in Clause (3) of Article 171.
According to Article 171(3):
- One-third of the members are elected by electorates comprising members of municipalities, district boards, and other specified local authorities.
- One-twelfth are elected by electorates consisting of residents who have been graduates for at least three years or possess qualifications equivalent to a graduate.
- Another one-twelfth are elected by electorates comprising individuals engaged in teaching for at least three years in educational institutions of a standard not lower than that of a secondary school
- The remaining one-sixth are nominated by the Governor and should have special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, cooperative movement, and social service.
Legislative Assembly
- The Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) serves as the Lower House of the State Legislature, analogous to the Lok Sabha at the national level.
- It represents the will of the state’s people, with members directly elected by the public.
Composition of the Assembly
- Article 170(1) stipulates that each state’s Legislative Assembly shall consist of not more than 500 and not less than 60 members, chosen through direct election from territorial constituencies in the state.
- Exceptions include Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Goa, where the minimum is fixed at 30, Mizoram at 40, and Nagaland at 46.
Qualifications for the Houses
- According to Article 173, an individual is eligible to be chosen to fill a seat in the Legislature of a state if they are a citizen of India and meet the age requirement of not less than 25 years for the Legislative Assembly and not less than 30 years for the Legislative Council.
- Possesses such other qualifications as may be prescribed in that behalf by or under any law made by Parliament
Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils in States/UTs
| States/UTs | Legislative Assemblies | Legislative Councils |
| Andhra Pradesh | 175 | 58 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 60 | – |
| Assam | 126 | – |
| Bihar | 243 | 75 |
| Chhattisgarh | 90 | – |
| Delhi | 70 | – |
| Goa | 40 | – |
| Gujarat | 182 | – |
| Haryana | 90 | – |
| Himachal Pradesh | 68 | – |
| Jammu and Kashmir | 90 | – |
| Jharkhand | 81 | – |
| Karnataka | 224 | 75 |
| Kerala | 140 | – |
| Madhya Pradesh | 230 | – |
| Maharashtra | 288 | 78 |
| Manipur | 60 | – |
| Meghalaya | 60 | – |
| Mizoram | 40 | – |
| Nagaland | 60 | – |
| Odisha | 147 | – |
| Puducherry | 30 | – |
| Punjab | 117 | – |
| Rajasthan | 200 | – |
| Sikkim | 32 | – |
| Tamil Nadu | 235 | – |
| Tripura | 60 | – |
| Uttar Pradesh | 403 | 100 |
| Uttarakhand | 70 | – |
| West Bengal | – | – |
| Telangana | 295 | 119 |
Disqualifications of the Houses:
- Under the Constitution, a person shall be disqualified for being chosen as and for being a member of the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a State if:
- He holds any office of profit under the Union or State Government (except that of a minister or any other office exempted by State Legislature).
- He is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a court.
- He is an undischarged insolvent.
- He is not a citizen of India or has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign state or is under any acknowledgment of allegiance to a foreign state.
- He is so disqualified under any law made by Parliament.
- According to Article 191(2), a person shall be disqualified for being a member of the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a State if he is disqualified under the Anti-Defection Law of the Tenth Schedule.
Duration of State Legislature:
Duration of Assembly:
- Legislative Assembly of every state, unless sooner dissolved, shall continue for five years from the date appointed for its first meeting and no longer.
- If a proclamation of emergency is in operation, the term of the assembly can be extended by Parliament by law for a period not exceeding one year at a time and not extending in any case beyond a period of six months after the proclamation has ceased to operate.
Duration of Council:
- Like the Rajya Sabha, the Legislative Council is a continuing chamber, i.e., it is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution.
- However, one-third of its members retire on the expiration of every second year, continuing as members for six years.
- Vacant seats are filled up by fresh elections and nominations every third year, with retiring members being eligible for the next term.
Oath, Affirmation, and Salaries:
- Every member of either House of the State Legislature, before taking their seat, has to make and subscribe an oath or affirmation before the Governor.
- Oath of a State Legislature Member:
- In the oath, a member of the State Legislature solemnly affirms:
- To bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.
- To uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India.
- To faithfully discharge the duty of their office.
- Without taking this oath, a member cannot vote, participate in the proceedings, or be eligible for the privileges and immunities of the State Legislature.
Salaries and Allowances:
- The salaries and allowances of State Legislature members are determined by the State Legislature.
- Vacation of Assembly Seat (Under Article 190):
No Double Membership:
- A person cannot be a member of both Houses of the Legislature of a State. State law can provide for the vacation of a seat by someone chosen as a member of both Houses of Parliament.
- No Membership of Two State Legislatures:
- If a person is chosen as a member of the Legislatures of two or more states, they must choose a State Legislature within a fixed time period to continue as a member. Failure to do so results in the vacancy of their seat in all legislatures.
Conditions for Vacancies outside Article 191:
Vacancies can occur if:
- The election of a State Legislature member is declared void.
- A member is expelled from the House.
- A member is elected to the office of President, Vice-President, or Governor of the State.
Presiding Officers of the State Legislature:
| Position | Selection and Tenure | Powers and Functions |
| Chairman of the Council | – Elected by the Legislative Council from its members. – Powers and functions similar to the Speaker of the Assembly. – May vacate office by resigning or ceasing to be a council member. | – Decides whether a bill is a Money Bill or not. – Comparable powers to the Speaker, with some exceptions. |
| Deputy Chairman of Council | – Elected by the council from its members. – Acts as Chairman when the latter is absent. – Has all powers of the Chairman in their absence. | – Assists the Chairman and assumes their duties when vacant. |
| Speaker of Assembly | – Elected by the assembly from its members. – Remains in office during the life of the assembly. – May vacate office by resigning, removal by resolution, or ceasing to be an assembly member. | – Decides whether a bill is a Money Bill or not. – Remains in office during the life of the assembly. – Vacates office under specific conditions outlined in Article 178. – Removal requires a majority resolution after a 14-day notice. |
Duration of Office and Vacancy of Seat – Speaker:
- Article 179 dictates that the Speaker holds office from election until the first meeting of the Legislative Assembly after its dissolution, unless:
- Ceasing to be a House member.
- Resignation submitted to the Deputy Speaker.
- Removal by House resolution with a 14-day notice.
Powers and Duties of the Speaker:
- Similar to Lok Sabha Speaker, the Speaker:
- Adjourns or suspends meetings in the absence of a quorum.
- Maintains order and decorum.
- Allows secret sittings.
- Decides disqualification questions under the Tenth Schedule.
- Vacates office if:
- Ceases to be an assembly member.
- Resigns to the Deputy Speaker.
- Removed by House resolution with a 14-day notice.
- Appoints committee chairmen supervises their functions and chairs key committees.
Deputy Speaker of Assembly:
- Elected post-Speaker election.
- Acts as Speaker in vacancies or absence, possessing all Speaker powers.
Comparison of Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly:
- Ordinary Bill passage: Assembly prevails in case of disagreement.
- Money Bill introduction: Exclusive to the assembly.
- President election participation: Council excluded.
- Constitutional Amendment Bill ratification: Limited council involvement; existence depends on the assembly’s will.
Sessions of the State Legislature –
Summoning, Adjournment, Prorogation, Dissolution,
- Summoning: The Governor calls each House; a minimum 6-month gap.
- Adjournment: Temporary suspension for hours, days, or weeks.
- Prorogation: Governor ends a session; adjournment sine die by Presiding Officer.
- Dissolution: Ends existing House; new House after general elections.
- Quorum: One-tenth of total members, including the Presiding Officer; lack requires adjournment or suspension.
- Deputy Speaker: Like the Speaker, elected by the assembly from its members.
Governor’s Address:
- Under Article 176, the Governor addresses the Legislative Assembly at the initial session post-election and the commencement of each financial year.
Legislative Procedures in State Legislature:
The process for passing bills into law is identical in both Houses.
Ordinary Bill:
- According to Article 196, an Ordinary Bill pertains to non-money matters and goes through the standard legislative process.
- It must be passed by both Houses if a Legislative Council exists.
- Article 197 outlines scenarios of conflict, and if the Legislative Assembly passes the bill again, it’s deemed passed by both Houses.
Money Bill:
- According to Article 199, a Money Bill exclusively pertains to taxation matters and can only be introduced in the Legislative Assembly.
Assent on Bills by Governor and President:
- Assent of the Governor (Article 200): After passage by the Legislative Assembly or both Houses, the Governor can assent, withhold assent, or reserve the bill for the President’s consideration.
- Assent of the President (Article 201): If reserved, the President may assent, withhold assent, or return the bill to the State Legislature for reconsideration. After reconsideration, the President is not obligated to assent.
State Funds:
- Consolidated Fund of the State (Article 266(1)): All government revenues and recovered loan amounts are deposited in the Consolidated Fund.
State Finances:
- After State Legislature approval, government expenses are covered by this fund.
State Public Account:
- As per Article 266(2), other public funds received by or on behalf of the State Government are deposited in the state’s public accounts.
State Contingency Fund:
- Under Article 267, a fund for contingency expenditure is established. It is controlled by the Governor, and withdrawing from this fund requires the Governor’s permission.
Privileges of State Legislature:
- Each House has the right to publish its reports, debates, and proceedings. It can make rules to regulate its procedure and the conduct of its business and to adjudicate upon such manners.
- The courts are prohibited from enquiring into the proceedings of the House and its proceedings. There are two kinds of privileges of the State Legislature. They are
Collective Privileges:
- Right to publish reports, debates, and proceedings.
- Authority to make rules for self-regulation and conduct adjudications.
- Power to exclude strangers, hold secret sittings and punish for privilege breaches.
- Immediate information rights regarding a member’s arrest, detention, etc.
- Prohibition on courts inquiring into House proceedings.
Individual Privileges:
- Immunity from arrest during, 40 days before, and 40 days after a session (civil cases only).
- Freedom of speech in the State Legislature without liability in courts.
- Exemption from jury service.
- Right to refuse evidence and appear as a witness during legislative sessions.
Lapsing of Bills:
- A bill pending in the assembly lapses.
- A bill passed by the assembly but pending in the council lapses.
- A bill pending in the council but not passed by the assembly does not lapse.
- A bill passed by the assembly or both Houses without assent from the Governor or President does not lapse.
- A bill returned by the President for reconsideration does not lapse.
Quorum:
- Mentioned in Article 188(3) of the Indian Constitution.
- Requires a minimum of ten members or one-tenth of the total members for a House sitting.
- The Presiding Officer adjourns or suspends the meeting until there is a quorum.
Language in State Legislatures:
- The Constitution designates Hindi or English as the official language(s) for State Legislature business. However, the Presiding Officer can permit members to address the House in their mother tongue.
- State Legislatures can decide to continue or discontinue English as a floor language after 15 years from the Constitution’s commencement (from 1965). For Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura, the limit is 25 years, while for Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Mizoram, it’s 40 years.
Rights of Ministers and Advocate General:
- Ministers and the Advocate General of the State, in addition to House members, have the right to speak and participate in proceedings or committees without voting entitlement.
Two reasons underlie this provision:
- A minister can engage in the proceedings of a non-member House.
- A non-member minister can participate in both Houses’ proceedings but is ineligible to vote.
Important Articles Related to State Legislature
| Article Number | Subject Matter |
| 168 | Constitution of legislatures in states |
| 169 | Abolition or creation of Legislative Councils in states |
| 170 | Composition of the Legislative Assemblies |
| 171 | Composition of the Legislative Councils |
| 172 | Duration of State Legislatures |
| 173 | Qualification for membership of the State Legislature |
| 174 | Sessions of the State Legislature, prorogation, and dissolution |
| 175 | Right of Governor to address and send messages to the House or Houses |
| 176 | Special address by the Governor |
| 177 | Rights of Ministers and Advocate-General as respect the Houses |
| 178 | The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly |
| 179 | Vacation and resignation of and removal from the offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker |
| 180 | Power of the Deputy Speaker or other person to perform the duties of the office of or to act as, Speaker |
| 181 | The Speaker or the Deputy Speaker not to preside while a resolution for his removal from office is under consideration |
| 182 | The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council |
| 183 | Vacation and resignation of and removal from the offices of Chairman and Deputy Chairman |
| 184 | Power of the Deputy Chairman or other person to perform the duties of the office of or to act as, Chairman |
| 185 | The Chairman or the Deputy Chairman not to preside while a resolution for his removal from office is under consideration |
| 186 | Salaries and allowances of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker and the Chairman and Deputy Chairman |
| 187 | Secretariat of State Legislature |
| 188 | Oath or affirmation by members |
| 189 | Voting in Houses, power of Houses to act notwithstanding vacancies and quorum |
| 190 | Vacation of seats |
| 191 | Disqualifications for membership |
| 192 | Decision on questions as to disqualifications of members |
| 193 | Penalty for sitting and voting before making oath when not qualified or when disqualified |
| 195 | Powers, privileges, etc., of the House of Legislature and of the members and committees thereof |
| 196 | Salaries and allowances of members |
| 197 | Provisions as to introduction and passing of bills |
| 198 | Restriction on powers of Legislative Council as to bills other than Money Bills |
| 199 | Special procedure in respect of Money Bills |
| 200 | Definition of ‘Money Bills’ |
| 201 | Assent to bills |
| 202 | Bills reserved for consideration |
| 203 | Annual financial statement |
| 204 | Procedure in the legislature concerning estimates |
| 205 | Appropriation Bills |
| 206 | Supplementary, additional, or excess grants |
| 207 | Votes on account, votes of credit, and exceptional grants |
| 208 | Special provisions for Financial Bills |
| 209 | Rules of procedure |
| 210 | Regulation by law of procedure in the legislature of the state about financial business |
| 211 | Language to be used in the legislature |
| 212 | Restriction on discussion in the legislature |
| 213 | Courts not to inquire into proceedings of the legislature |
Differences between the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad
| Aspect | Legislative Assembly | Legislative Council |
| Reflection of Members | Directly elected by the people | Elected by State Legislative Assembly, local bodies, etc. |
| Term | 5 years | 6 years |
| Presiding Officer | Speaker is the Presiding Officer of the Legislative Assembly | The chairman is the Presiding Officer of the Legislative Council |
| Minimum Age Limit | 25 years | 30 years |
| Maximum Age Limit | The maximum number of members is 500, minimum is 60 | One-third of the total number of members in the Legislative Assembly; Not less than 40 |
| Minimum Age Limit for Membership | 25 years | 30 years |
| Maximum Number of Members | 500 | One-third of the total number of members in the Legislative Assembly; Not less than 40 |
| Members’ Election Process | Directly elected by the people | Elected by State Legislative Assembly, local bodies, etc. |
| Members’ Term | 5 years | 6 years |
| Presiding Officer of the House | Speaker | Chairman |
| Role in State Legislature | Lower House | Upper House |
Prelims Facts
- The Upper House of the State Legislature is known as Vidhan Parishad (BPSC (Pre) 2000, RAS/RTS (Pre) 2016).
- Article 171 of the Indian Constitution provides the provision for Vidhan Parishad in the state (MPPSC (Pre) 2014).
- The procedure for creating Legislative Councils in states is outlined in Article 169 of the Constitution (IAS (Mains) 2007).
- The tenure of a member of the State Legislative Council is 6 years (UKPSC (Pre) 2021).
- The number of nominated members in the Legislative Council is one-sixth of the total strength (UPPSC (Mains) 2014), and in the Legislative Council of Uttar Pradesh, the State Governor nominates 12 members (CGPSC (Pre) 2011).
- The minimum age limit for the membership of the Legislative Assembly is 25 years (MPPSC (Pre) 1997).
- Sikkim is an exception to Article 170, which states that the State Legislative Assembly of a state shall consist of not less than sixty members (UPPSC (Mains) 2015).
- The maximum number of members in the Legislative Assembly of a state in India can be 500 (IAS (Pre) 2008, UPPSC (Mains) 2014).
- The Vidhan Sabha of a state is prorogued by the Governor (MPPSC (Pre) 2002).
- The maximum permissible period between two sessions of a State Legislative Assembly is six months (APSC (Pre) 2016).
- The Speaker continues to hold the position even after the dissolution of the assembly until the first sitting of the new assembly (IAS (Mains) 2004).
- If the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of a state wants to resign, he will give his resignation to the Deputy Speaker (BPSC (Pre) 1995).
- The Legislative Council can hold an ordinary bill for 4 months (IAS (Pre) 2005).
- No money bill can be introduced in the assembly of a state except on the recommendation of the Governor of the State (UPPSC (Pre) 2012).
- The final authority to decide any question relating to the disqualification of a member of a house of the legislature of a state is the Governor (CGPSC (Pre) 2011).
- State Assembly elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India (LIPPSC (Mains) 2008).
- Pay and allowances of the ministers of a State Government are determined by the State Legislative Assembly (UPPSC (Main) 2008).
- Provisions for a vote on account, the vote of credit, and exceptional grants are mentioned under Article 206 (MPSC (Pre) 2015).
UPSC NCERT Practice Questions
1. Which one of the following states of India does not have a Legislative Council so far even though the Constitution (7th Amendment) Act, 1956 provides for it? IAS (Pre) 1995
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Bihar
(c) Karnataka
(d) Madhya Pradesh
2. Which one of the following Indian states has the largest number of members in its State Legislature? BPSC (Pre) 2019
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Manipur
(d) Meghalaya
3. According to Article 170 of the Indian Constitution, the minimum and maximum strength of members of the Legislative Assembly in a State can be respectively UP RO/ARO (Pre) 2017
(a) 40 and 400
(b) 50 and 450
(c) 50 and 500
(d) 60 and 500
4. The number of nominated members in the Legislative Council is UPSC (Mains) 2017
(a) 1/3 of the total strength
(b) 14/ of the total strength
(c) 1/6 of the total strength
(d) None of the above
5. Concerning the composition of the Legislative Council in a state of India, which of the following statements) is/are correct? UPPSC (Pre) 2023
1 nI the Legislative Council, there may not be more than one-third members of the total membership of the Legislative Assembly of the state.
2 The Legislative Council of a state must have at least forty members in it.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below.
(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 Only
(c) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Only 1
6. Consider the following statements. The Constitution of India provides that AIS (Pre) 2008
1. the Legislative Assembly of each state shall consist of not more than 450 members chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies in the state.
2. A person should not be qualified to be chosen to fill a seat in the Legislative Assembly of a state if he/she is less than 25 years of age.
Which of the statements) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1Only
(b) 2 Only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
7. With reference to the Legislative Assembly of a State in India, consider the following statements. IAS (Pre) 2019
1. The Governor makes a customary address to Members of the House at the commencement of the first session of the year.
2. When a State Legislature does not have a rule on a particular matter, it follows the Lok Sabha rule on that matter.
Which of the statements) given above is/are
Correct?
(a) 1 Only
(b) 2 Only
(c) Both 1and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
8. Consider the following statements. AIS (Pre) 2018
1. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly shall vacate his/her office if he/she ceases to be a member of the Assembly.
2. Whenever the Legislative Assembly is dissolved, the Speaker shall vacate his/her office immediately. Which of the statements) given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 Only
(b)1 Only
(c) Both 1and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
9. Which of the following Constitution Amendment Acts, seeks in the size of the Council of Ministers at the Centre and in a State must not exceed 15% of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha and the total number of members of the Legislative Assembly of the State respectively?
(a) 91st
(b) 93rd
(c) 95th
(d) 97th
10. Consider the folowing statements. ASI (Pre) 2015
1. The Legislative Council of a state ni India can be larger size than half the Legislative Assembly fo that particular state.
2. The Governor of a state nominates the Chairman fo the Legislative Council of that particular state.
Whcih of hte statements) gvien above is/are corect?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1and 2
(d) Neither 1nor 2
11. Which one of the folowing statements) is/are correct?
1 The Governor si the Ex-officio Chairman of the Legislative Council.
2 The Speaker of the Legislative Asembly also acts sa the Chairman of the Legislative Council.
3. The Council elects its own Chairman from amongst its members.
Codes
a)1 and 2
b) 1 and 3
c) 3 only
d) none of these
12. If in an election to a State Legislative Assembly, the candidate who is declared elected loses his deposit, it means that APSC (Pre) 2015
(a) the polling was very poor.
(b) the election was for a multi-member constituency.
(c) the elected candidate’s victory over his nearest rival was very marginal.
(d) a very large number of candidates contested the election.
13. Which of the following statements are correct in reference ot rule of procedure for ‘Motion For Adjournment’ on a matter of public importance in Rajasthan Legislative Assembly? RAS/RTS (Pre) 2018
1 Speaker’s consent necessary to make motion.
2 The motion shal raise a question of privilege.
3 the motion shallbe restricted to a specific matter of recent occurence
4 Not more than one such motion shal be made at the same sitting.
Select hte correct answer by using the codes given below.
(a) ,1 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2and 4
(c) ,1 3 and 4
(d) 1and 4
14. Which of the following statements is/are correct? Under Article 200 of the Constitution of India, the Governor of a State may
1. withhold his assent to a hill passed by the State Legislature.
2. reserve the bill passed by the State Legislature for reconsideration of the President.
3. return the bill, other than a Money Bill for reconsideration of the legislature.
Codes
(a) Only 1
(c) 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2
(d) All of these
15. Consider the following statements. LAS (Pre) 2018
1. No criminal proceeding shall be instituted against the Governor of a State in any court during his terms of office.
2. The emoluments and allowances of the Governor of a State shall not he diminished during his terms of office.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
16. With reference to India, consider the following statements.IAS (Pre) 2021
1. When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, Parole cannot be denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right.
2. State Governments have their own Prisoners release on Parole rules.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 Only
(b) 2 Only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Know Right Answer
1. (d)
2. (b)
3. (d)
4. (c)
5. (a)
6. (a)
7. (a)
8. (a)
9. (a)
10. (d)
11. (c)
12. (d)
13. (c)
14. (d)
15. (c)
16. (b)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the significance of the State Legislature in the Indian political system?
A1: The State Legislature plays a crucial role in the Indian political system as it is responsible for making laws at the state level. Comprising the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council (where applicable), it ensures representation of the people in decision-making processes. The State Legislature also holds the state government accountable through debates, discussions, and questioning, thereby contributing to the democratic governance of the state.
Q2: What is the composition of the State Legislature according to the Indian Constitution?
A2: The State Legislature consists of two houses – the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Legislative Assembly is the lower house and is directly elected by the people through general elections. The Legislative Council, on the other hand, is the upper house and is not present in all states. Members of the Legislative Council are elected by various constituencies, including graduates, teachers, and local authority members. The composition may vary from state to state.
Q3: How does the State Legislature exercise its legislative powers?
A3: The State Legislature, like the Parliament at the national level, exercises its legislative powers through a process of bill introduction, debate, and voting. Members of the State Legislature propose bills, which can be of various types, such as money bills, ordinary bills, and constitutional amendment bills. These bills go through readings, committee scrutiny, and discussions before being voted upon. If a bill is approved by a majority, it is sent to the Governor for assent, after which it becomes law. The State Legislature also has the power to amend the state constitution, subject to the overall framework of the Indian Constitution.
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