Who can dissolve the House of the People of India before its term ends?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1: The President, on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Explanation:
- According to Article 85(2)(b) of the Indian Constitution, the President of India possesses the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha. However, the President does not exercise this power independently; rather, they may do so only upon the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
- Timeframe: Generally, the tenure of the Lok Sabha is five years; however, it may be dissolved even before the completion of this period.
- Parliamentary Procedure: Upon the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, the House ceases to exist, and it becomes necessary to conduct fresh elections (mid-term elections).
- Status of the Rajya Sabha: In contrast, the Rajya Sabha is a 'Permanent House' and can never be dissolved.
Analysis of Other Options:
- Speaker of the Lok Sabha (Option 2): The Speaker can only 'adjourn' the sittings of the House or adjourn them 'sine die' (indefinitely); they cannot dissolve the House.
- Chief Justice of India (Option 3): The Judiciary possesses no authority to dissolve a legislative House.
- Election Commission (Option 4): This institution is responsible for conducting elections, but it does not hold the constitutional authority to dissolve the House.
Additional Facts:
- Article 85: This Article empowers the President to summon the sessions of Parliament, prorogue them, and dissolve the Lok Sabha.
- State of Emergency: During a National Emergency, Parliament may, by enacting a law, extend the tenure of the Lok Sabha by one year at a time.
- No-Confidence Motion: If a no-confidence motion against the government is passed and no alternative government can be formed, the President may dissolve the Lok Sabha.
Potential Questions for Upcoming Exams:
Question: Which Article of the Indian Constitution contains the provision for the dissolution of the Lok Sabha by the President?
Answer: Article 85.
Question: Which House of Parliament is known as the 'Permanent House' that can never be dissolved?
Answer: Rajya Sabha. Question: Can the President dissolve the Lok Sabha without the advice of the Council of Ministers?
Answer: Only in the specific situation where the incumbent government has lost its majority and no other party is capable of forming a government.