Lok Sabha Composition, Powers and Functions

The Lok Sabha, or the House of the People, is the lower house of India’s bicameral Parliament. It plays a crucial role in the country’s democratic structure, representing the voice of the Indian populace. Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people through general elections, ensuring that the government remains accountable to the citizens. The Lok Sabha exercises various legislative, financial, and administrative powers that are foundational to governance. It is an instrument of representative democracy and a platform for public debate, policy-making, and holding the executive accountable, making it a cornerstone of India’s parliamentary system.

Composition of Lok Sabha:

The Lok Sabha consists of a maximum of 552 members under Article 81 of the Indian Constitution. Of these, 530 members represent states, 20 represent Union Territories, and 2 may be nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian community (this provision has been abolished by the 104th Amendment in 2020). Members are elected by universal adult suffrage for a term of five years, unless dissolved earlier. The number of seats allocated to each state is based on its population. The Speaker is the presiding officer of the House. The composition reflects India’s federal character and democratic spirit.

Powers of Lok Sabha:

• Legislative Power

The Lok Sabha holds significant legislative power, allowing it to introduce, debate, amend, and pass laws on matters listed in the Union List and Concurrent List of the Constitution. A bill becomes a law only after it is passed by both Houses of Parliament and receives the President’s assent. In case of a deadlock between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on an ordinary bill, a joint sitting may be convened where Lok Sabha’s larger strength usually prevails. Its legislative authority ensures that it directly influences policies on subjects like defense, foreign affairs, finance, and education.

• Financial Power

The Lok Sabha has exclusive financial powers, especially in matters of taxation and expenditure. A Money Bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, not in the Rajya Sabha, and only with the President’s recommendation. The Rajya Sabha cannot amend a Money Bill; it can only make recommendations, which the Lok Sabha may accept or reject. This ensures complete financial control by the lower house. The Lok Sabha also passes the Union Budget and Appropriation Bills, authorizing government expenditure. Through these financial powers, it ensures that public funds are used efficiently and with accountability to the people.

• Executive Control

The Lok Sabha exercises control over the executive, i.e., the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. Since the executive is drawn from the majority in the Lok Sabha, it remains collectively responsible to the House. It can question the government’s actions through debates, discussions, question hour, zero hour, and motions. Importantly, the Lok Sabha can bring a no-confidence motion, and if passed by a majority, the government must resign. This power enforces accountability and transparency, compelling the executive to justify its policies and decisions. Thus, the Lok Sabha plays a vital role in maintaining the democratic balance of power.

• Constituent Power

The Lok Sabha also has constituent powers, enabling it to participate in the process of amending the Constitution under Article 368. Along with the Rajya Sabha, it can pass constitutional amendment bills by a special majority (i.e., two-thirds of members present and voting, and a majority of the total membership). In certain cases, ratification by half of the state legislatures is also needed. This power allows the Lok Sabha to shape India’s evolving constitutional framework and adapt to changing socio-political needs, while preserving the basic structure of the Constitution as laid down by the Supreme Court.

• Electoral Power

The Lok Sabha plays a role in India’s highest constitutional elections. Together with the Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, it forms the electoral college that elects the President of India. Additionally, members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha together elect the Vice President. The Lok Sabha also elects its Speaker and Deputy Speaker from among its members. In case of a vacancy in the office of the President, the Speaker plays a key role in ensuring smooth proceedings. These powers highlight the Lok Sabha’s role not just in law-making, but also in upholding constitutional governance.

• Judicial Power

While not a judicial body, the Lok Sabha exercises quasi-judicial powers in certain constitutional processes. Most notably, it participates in the impeachment of the President (under Article 61), where both Houses must pass the impeachment motion by a two-thirds majority. It also has a role in the removal of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, the Chief Election Commissioner, and CAG, following a similar special majority procedure. These powers are exercised to uphold the integrity and accountability of key constitutional offices. Thus, the Lok Sabha has a limited but important role in safeguarding constitutional checks and balances.

Function of Lok Sabha:

• Law-Making Function

The primary function of the Lok Sabha is to frame laws for the nation. It debates and passes bills on subjects in the Union and Concurrent Lists, ranging from education to defense. Both Government and Private Members can introduce bills. The process involves detailed discussion, amendments, and voting. A bill becomes law after approval by both Houses and the President’s assent. Through its law-making function, the Lok Sabha not only sets the legal framework for governance but also reflects public opinion, addressing national issues and societal needs through democratic means. This function is central to India’s parliamentary democracy.

• Budgetary Function

The Lok Sabha controls the national finances through its budgetary function. The Union Budget, which outlines the government’s revenue and expenditure for the financial year, is presented in the Lok Sabha. Members scrutinize the estimates, suggest modifications, and vote on Demands for Grants. It also passes the Appropriation Bill and Finance Bill, authorizing spending and taxation. No money can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India without the Lok Sabha’s approval. This function ensures that taxpayer money is spent judiciously, and the government’s financial priorities align with national development goals and public welfare.

• Control Over Executive

A key function of the Lok Sabha is to hold the executive accountable. It does this through Question Hour, Zero Hour, Adjournment Motions, Call Attention Notices, and Debates. These tools compel ministers to explain and defend their policies and actions. The Lok Sabha also reviews government performance through Departmental Standing Committees. Most importantly, the executive remains in office only as long as it retains the confidence of the Lok Sabha. If a No-Confidence Motion is passed, the government must resign. This ensures that the Council of Ministers remains answerable to the people’s representatives and upholds democratic accountability.

• Representation Function

The Lok Sabha functions as the voice of the people. Its members are directly elected, and they represent the interests, needs, and grievances of their respective constituencies in Parliament. Through questions, debates, private members’ bills, and petitions, MPs bring local and national issues to the floor. The Lok Sabha provides a platform for diverse voices from across India, ensuring inclusivity and representation in policymaking. This representational function is vital in a democracy as it bridges the gap between citizens and the state, shaping governance to be people-centric, responsive, and rooted in democratic values and public welfare.

• Amendment of the Constitution:

The Lok Sabha participates in amending the Constitution, reflecting its role in shaping the legal and institutional framework of the country. Under Article 368, constitutional amendments require passage in both Houses by a special majority. Some amendments also need ratification by half of the state legislatures. This allows the Lok Sabha to adapt the Constitution to changing social, economic, and political conditions. However, it cannot alter the basic structure, as defined by the Supreme Court. This function ensures that while the Constitution remains dynamic, it also preserves fundamental values like democracy, secularism, and the rule of law.

• Policy Deliberation and Debate:

The Lok Sabha serves as a forum for national debate and policy deliberation. Members discuss crucial issues such as inflation, national security, education, social justice, and foreign policy. These debates inform public opinion and often influence government decisions. Even when not passing laws, such discussions shape the direction of governance and expose flaws in policies or implementation. The deliberative function ensures transparency, promotes consensus-building, and allows constructive criticism of the ruling government. It also empowers the opposition to voice alternative perspectives. Thus, the Lok Sabha strengthens democratic dialogue and accountability through informed and open debates.