Vidhana Sabha, Composition, Powers and Functions

Vidhana Sabha, also known as the State Legislative Assembly, is the lower house (or sole house in unicameral states) of the state legislature in India. It is a directly elected body by the people of the state through adult suffrage. Members are known as MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly). The number of seats varies by state based on population. The Governor summons, prorogues, and can dissolve the Vidhana Sabha. It plays a key role in making state laws, approving budgets, and holding the executive accountable. The leader of the majority party becomes the Chief Minister. Sessions are presided over by the Speaker. Vidhana Sabha reflects democratic values by representing the will of the people in state governance.

Composition of Vidhana Sabha in Karnataka:

Vidhana Sabha in Karnataka is the lower house of the bicameral state legislature, with the Vidhana Parishad as the upper house. It consists of 224 elected members, each representing a separate constituency, and one nominated member from the Anglo-Indian community (if required, as per Article 333 of the Constitution, though this provision has been abolished by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019). Members of the Vidhana Sabha are directly elected by the people of Karnataka through universal adult suffrage for a term of five years, unless dissolved sooner. The Speaker presides over its sessions, while the Deputy Speaker assists when required. The Vidhana Sabha plays a vital role in formulating state laws, approving budgets, and monitoring the functioning of the state executive. The party or coalition with a majority in the Vidhana Sabha forms the state government, and its leader becomes the Chief Minister. The Governor of Karnataka summons and prorogues the sessions and can dissolve the house on the advice of the Chief Minister. The composition ensures democratic representation of all regions and communities of Karnataka, contributing to inclusive governance and accountability in the state’s political structure.

Powers of Vidhana Sabha:

• Legislative Powers

Vidhana Sabha has the primary authority to make laws on subjects mentioned in the State List and Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. Bills related to these subjects can be introduced and passed by the Assembly. In bicameral legislatures like Karnataka, if there’s disagreement with the Vidhana Parishad (Legislative Council), the Vidhana Sabha’s decision prevails after a waiting period. Laws passed by the Assembly become acts after the Governor’s assent. This power ensures that state-specific laws reflect local needs and conditions, thereby strengthening democratic law-making at the state level.

• Financial Powers

Vidhana Sabha holds exclusive power in financial matters. A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Vidhana Sabha and not in the Vidhana Parishad. The Assembly controls the state budget, including taxation, expenditure, and public funds. The government cannot levy or collect any tax without its approval. The Annual Financial Statement (state budget) is laid before the Vidhana Sabha, and funds are allocated after its sanction. The Assembly also scrutinizes grants and expenditure through debates and discussions. Thus, it plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in state financial administration.

• Executive Control

Vidhana Sabha exercises control over the state executive, including the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, who are collectively responsible to the Assembly. Members can question government policies, demand answers, and move motions like the No-Confidence Motion to challenge the executive. Ministers must answer queries during sessions, explain policies, and respond to criticisms. This system of legislative oversight ensures that the government remains accountable to the people. If the Assembly passes a no-confidence motion, the entire Council of Ministers, including the Chief Minister, must resign. This reinforces the democratic principle of responsible governance at the state level.

• Electoral Powers

Vidhana Sabha also plays an indirect electoral role. Its members participate in the election of the President of India through an electoral college. Additionally, Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from each state elect members to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament). In some states, members of the Vidhana Sabha also elect members of the Vidhana Parishad, where applicable. These electoral powers connect state legislatures to national institutions, ensuring cooperative federalism. Through these elections, state assemblies contribute to the formation of the national leadership and representation in central decision-making bodies, reflecting the will of their respective states.

• Constitutional Powers

Vidhana Sabha also has powers under the Constitution of India. If the President’s Rule is imposed in a state under Article 356, it can only be extended beyond six months with the approval of Parliament, where the state legislature’s report plays a key role. The Assembly can also pass resolutions for creating or abolishing the Legislative Council (Vidhana Parishad) in the state, which is then acted upon by Parliament. In matters of constitutional amendments, while the Vidhana Sabha does not amend the Constitution, certain amendments (like changing the representation of states) require ratification by half the state legislatures, including Karnataka’s Vidhana Sabha.

Functions of Vidhana Sabha:

• Legislative Functions

Vidhana Sabha enacts laws on subjects in the State List (List II) and Concurrent List (List III) of the Constitution. It can pass bills on public order, police, health, agriculture, and education. If approved by the Vidhana Parishad (where applicable) and the Governor, these bills become state laws. In case of disagreement between the two houses, the Vidhana Sabha’s decision prevails in most cases after a second review.

• Financial Functions

Vidhana Sabha controls state finances. Money bills can only originate here, and the Vidhana Parishad can delay them for up to 14 days but cannot reject them. The assembly approves the state budget, taxation proposals, and expenditures. It ensures transparency and accountability in financial matters through debates and committees like the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

• Executive Control

Vidhana Sabha exercises control over the State Council of Ministers. Members can question ministers, move motions (like no-confidence motions), and debate government policies. The Chief Minister and cabinet remain in power only as long as they retain the assembly’s majority support. This ensures responsible governance and prevents misuse of authority.

• Electoral Functions

Vidhana Sabha members participate in electing the President of India (along with Parliament and other state legislatures). They also elect members to the Rajya Sabha from their state. In some states, they elect a portion of the Vidhana Parishad members, contributing to the broader democratic process.

• Constitutional Amendment Role

While major constitutional amendments require Parliament’s approval, some changes (like altering state boundaries or creating new states) need the concerned Vidhana Sabha’s ratification. This ensures states have a say in federal structure modifications, protecting their autonomy.

• Representation of People

MLAs represent public interests by raising local issues, proposing welfare schemes, and ensuring government accountability. They act as a bridge between citizens and the administration, addressing grievances through discussions, questions, and constituency development programs.