The dissolution of Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, is a significant event in the country’s democratic process. It marks the end of the current term of the house and paves the way for new elections to be held. Read till the end if you are interested in reading on this topic about India’s Potilcs.
Who Can Dissolve Lok Sabha?
The Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, can be dissolved by the President of India, as per Article 85(2)(b) of the Constitution of India. The President has the ultimate power to dissolve the Lok Sabha, and there are two ways in which this can be done:
- The Lok Sabha is dissolved when the majority leader (the ruling party) does so.
- When the leader of the single largest party doesn’t gain the majority in the Lok Sabha, then the entitled power passes to the President.
Prime Minister’s Advice: Key Role
While the President technically has the authority to dissolve Lok Sabha, in practice, it is the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers who advise the President on this matter. The Prime Minister’s advice is based on various factors, including political considerations, the stability of the government, and the need for fresh elections.
Lok Sabha can be dissolved before the completion of its five-year term under several circumstances:
- If the Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister loses the confidence of Lok Sabha and fails to prove its majority.
- If the Prime Minister advises the President to dissolve Lok Sabha, either because they believe new elections are necessary or because they cannot secure the passage of crucial legislation.
- If the term of Lok Sabha expires, and no party or coalition is able to form a new government.
While the President has the authority to dissolve the Lok Sabha, there are certain limitations to this power. For instance, the President cannot dissolve Lok Sabha if a no-confidence motion is pending or if a proclamation of emergency is in operation.
The dissolution of the Lok Sabha triggers the process of holding new elections. During the period between dissolution and the formation of a new government, the President may appoint a caretaker government to oversee essential functions of governance. Additionally, all pending legislative matters lapse upon dissolution and must be reintroduced in the new Lok Sabha.