If someone becomes a minister or the Prime Minister without being a Member of Parliament, they must get elected to the Parliament within ______ months or they will have to vacate the office.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
six
Explanation
According to Article 75(5) of the Indian Constitution, a Minister who for any period of six consecutive months is not a member of either House of Parliament shall at the expiration of that period cease to be a Minister. This provision allows the Prime Minister to appoint individuals from outside the legislature as ministers based on their expertise or political necessity, provided they secure a seat in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha within this six-month timeframe. If they fail to get elected or nominated within this period, they lose their eligibility to continue in the office.
Key Points
This constitutional rule acts as a check to ensure that all members of the executive remain accountable to the legislature. It maintains the principle of parliamentary democracy where the executive is drawn from and responsible to the elected representatives of the people. While this allows for temporary flexibility in forming a cabinet, it prevents the long-term inclusion of non-elected individuals in the executive branch.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Does this six-month limit apply to the Prime Minister as well?
Answer: Yes, the Prime Minister is technically a Minister, and therefore, the same constitutional requirement applies to them. If a person is appointed Prime Minister without being an MP, they must become a member of either House within six months.
Question: Can this six-month period be extended?
Answer: No, the six-month period is a mandatory constitutional requirement and cannot be extended. Failure to become a member of Parliament within this timeframe results in the automatic cessation of the Minister's office.