Who holds the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha prior to the completion of its tenure?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Correct Answer: President
Explanation
Under the Constitution of India, the President holds the absolute executive power to dissolve the Lok Sabha (the Lower House of Parliament) prior to the completion of its normal five-year tenure. This power is exercised under Article 85(2)(b) of the Indian Constitution.
However, the President does not exercise this power arbitrarily. In accordance with the principles of a parliamentary democracy, the President dissolves the Lok Sabha only upon the formal advice of the Prime Minister or the Union Cabinet. This situation typically arises when the ruling government decides to call for premature general elections or when the ruling government loses its majority confidence vote on the floor of the House and no alternative stable coalition can be formed to run the government.
The other options listed do not hold this constitutional authority. The Prime Minister can only recommend dissolution, the Speaker can only adjourn or suspend the sessions of the House, and the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body that can never be dissolved.
Key Points
The Lok Sabha has a normal term of five years from the date appointed for its first meeting, but it can be dissolved earlier by the President.
While the Lok Sabha is subject to dissolution, the Rajya Sabha (the Upper House) is a permanent chamber and is not subject to dissolution; one-third of its members retire every second year.
During a state of National Emergency, the five-year term of the Lok Sabha can be extended by Parliament by law for a period not exceeding one year at a time.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which specific article of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to summon, prorogue, and dissolve the Lok Sabha?
Answer: Article 85 of the Indian Constitution grants these powers to the President.
Question: Can the President reject the advice of a Prime Minister to dissolve the Lok Sabha if that Prime Minister has already lost the majority confidence vote in the House?
Answer: Yes, if a Prime Minister has lost the majority, the President can explore the possibilities of forming an alternative government before accepting the recommendation to dissolve the House.