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The Indian
Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India. The first
elected Parliament came into being in April 1952, after the first
elections under the new Constitution of India. The Parliament
comprises of the President, and the two Houses - the Lok Sabha
(House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
The
Rajya Sabha or the Council of States consists of 250 members, of
which 12 are nominated by the President from amongst persons
having special knowledge or practical experience in the fields of
literature, science, art and social service. Elections to the
Rajya Sabha are indirect, and it is not subject to dissolution.
One-third of its members retire on the expiry of every second
year.
The
Lok Sabha or House of the People is composed of representatives of
the people chosen by direct election. The maximum strength of the
House envisaged by the Constitution is 552. The term of the Lok
Sabha, unless dissolved, is five years from the date appointed for
its first meeting. However, while a proclamation of emergency is
in operation, this period can be extended by the Parliament by
law. |
