The Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha due to several key reasons. Firstly, any ordinary law must be passed by both houses, but in case of a conflict, the view of the Lok Sabha prevails because it has a larger number of members. Secondly, once the Lok Sabha passes a budget or any money-related law, the Rajya Sabha cannot reject it.
Most significantly, the Lok Sabha controls the Council of Ministers; if a majority of Lok Sabha members express no confidence in the Council of Ministers, all ministers, including the Prime Minister, must resign. These factors highlight the superior authority and influence of the Lok Sabha within India’s parliamentary system. To know more about them in detail read till the end.
How Is Lok Sabha More Powerful Than Rajya Sabha
The Lok Sabha holds more power than the Rajya Sabha due to specific powers exclusively exercised by the former, making it the more dominant house in the Indian Parliament.
Powers of Lok Sabha
- Introduction of Money Bills: Only the Lok Sabha can introduce money bills, giving it exclusive authority over financial matters.
- Decision on Money Bills: The Lok Sabha has the power to accept or reject recommendations made by the Rajya Sabha on money bills, making it more influential in financial decisions.
- Voting on Demand for Grants: The Lok Sabha can vote on demand for grants in the annual budget, a crucial financial function.
- Presiding Over Joint Sittings: During joint sittings of both houses, it is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha who presides over the meeting.
- Discontinuance of National Emergency: Resolutions for discontinuing a national emergency can only be passed in the Lok Sabha.
- No-Confidence Motion: The Lok Sabha is the only house where a no-confidence motion can be introduced against the Council of Ministers.
Powers of Rajya Sabha
- Representation: The Rajya Sabha represents states and union territories indirectly, providing a platform for state interests.
- Special Powers: The Rajya Sabha has two exclusive powers not conferred upon the Lok Sabha: authorizing Parliament to make laws on state list subjects and creating new All-India Services.
While both houses have equal powers in certain spheres, such as removing the Vice-President or impeaching the President, the Lok Sabha’s authority in critical areas like financial matters and decision-making processes makes it more powerful within India’s parliamentary system.