Key Powers and Functions of the Parliament of India
The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body under the Constitution, performing multiple functions essential for governance and democracy.
⚖️ 1. Legislative Functions
Parliament makes, amends, and repeals laws on:
- Union List
- Concurrent List
Has residuary powers under Article 248 of the Constitution of India
✔ Also exercises control over State List in special situations (e.g., emergency, national interest).
💰 2. Financial Functions
Parliament is the custodian of public money.
Key roles:
- Approves Union Budget
- Imposes taxes
- Authorizes expenditure
👉 No money can be spent without Parliament’s approval (principle of “no taxation without representation”).
🏛 3. Executive Accountability
The Executive (Council of Ministers) is responsible to Parliament.
Tools used:
- Question Hour
- Zero Hour
- Adjournment Motions
- No-Confidence Motions
✔ Ensures transparency and accountability in governance.
📜 4. Constituent Functions
- Parliament can amend the Constitution under Article 368 of the Constitution of India
✔ Helps:
- Adapt Constitution to changing needs
- Maintain balance between rigidity and flexibility
⚖️ 5. Judicial Functions
Parliament exercises certain quasi-judicial powers:
Impeachment of:
- President
Removal of:
- Judges of Supreme Court & High Courts
- Vice-President
- CAG, CEC
✔ Acts as a constitutional check on high authorities.
🗳 6. Electoral Functions
Participates in election of:
- President
- Vice-President
✔ Members of Parliament form part of the electoral college.
🚨 7. Emergency Powers
Parliament approves:
- National Emergency
- State Emergency (President’s Rule)
- Financial Emergency
✔ Gains extended legislative powers during emergencies.
🗣 8. Deliberative Functions
Acts as a national forum for debate:
- Public issues
- Government policies
- International relations
✔ Reflects the voice of the people.
🔑 Conclusion (Exam Line)
👉 The Parliament of India is not merely a law-making body but a multifunctional institution that ensures accountability, financial control, constitutional evolution, and democratic governance.
🧠 Easy Memory Trick:
👉 “L-FE C J E E D” (Legislative, Financial, Executive, Constituent, Judicial, Electoral, Emergency, Deliberative)
