UPSC Prelims 2022 Q15: Indian Polity – Parliament
Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha?
1. To ratify the declaration of Emergency
2. To pass a motion of no - confidence against the Council of Ministers
3. To impeach the President of India
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Powers of the Lok Sabha — exclusive or shared?
| Power | Exclusive to Lok Sabha? | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ratify a declaration of Emergency | No | Under Article 352, both Houses must approve within one month by special majority |
| 2. Pass a no-confidence motion | Yes | The Council of Ministers is responsible only to the Lok Sabha (Article 75(3)) |
| 3. Impeach the President | No | Under Article 61, both Houses take part — one accuses, the other investigates |
Other exclusive Lok Sabha powers:
| Power | Article |
|---|---|
| Money Bills introduced only in Lok Sabha | Art 109–110 |
| Vote on demands for grants | Art 113 |
| Revoke a national Emergency by simple majority resolution | Art 352(8) (44th Amendment) |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Ratifying an Emergency needs approval from both Houses.
- (b) CORRECT. Only the Lok Sabha can pass a no-confidence motion, since ministers are responsible to it alone.
- (c) Incorrect. Ratifying an Emergency and impeaching the President both involve both Houses.
- (d) Incorrect. Impeachment of the President involves both Houses under Article 61.
Key point
Lok Sabha exclusive: no-confidence motion, Money Bills, demands for grants. Emergency approval and impeachment need both Houses.
Remember
Only the Lok Sabha can pass a no-confidence motion.
Common mistakes
- Thinking Emergency approval is a Lok Sabha power; both Houses must approve.
- Confusing revoking an Emergency (Lok Sabha alone can force it) with approving it (both Houses).
- Believing impeachment can start only in the Lok Sabha; charges can begin in either House.
Exam tip
Collective responsibility = Lok Sabha only. That is why no-confidence is exclusive to it.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 61, 75(3), 352
- NCERT Class XI — Indian Constitution at Work, Ch 5 (Legislature)