A simple note on the Special powers of Rajya Sabha

The upper house of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, serves as a permanent member who, unlike Lok Sabha, never dissolves and one-third of its members resign every two years and the amendment chamber reviews bills passed by Lok Sabha which proposes a degree of continuity in the main policy of laws passed by Parliament. Rajya Sabha has many powers and few exclusive powers of the Rajya Sabha & powers of Rajya sabha can be divided in terms of

• Legislative Powers
• Executive powers
• Electoral Powers
• Judicial Powers
• Exclusive powers

We will study each one of them in detail below.

Legislative Powers

In terms of the Legislation powers of Rajya Sabha, Raja Sabha enjoys equivalent permissions to Lok Sabha in the field of law. Any normal bill can be introduced into Raju Sabha, but it can not be a law unless passed. If there is a conflict between the votes of the two houses, then a deadlock is formed. If there is a deadlock for more than six months, President organizes a joint sitting of both houses to resolve the problem and pass the bill. The joint session is presided by the speaker of the Lok Sabha. A signature from the President is needed for a co-session of both the houses. However, if the deadlock is not resolved, the account is considered dead.

Executive Powers

Lok Sabha has the privilege to bring down any minister in the council by passing a vote of no confidence. Therefore, Every Minister in the council has a responsibility before the Lok sabha and not the Rajya Sabha. Rajya Sabha does not enjoy many exclusive powers. It does have some executive powers. Every member of Rajya Sabha has the role of keeping the council of ministers in check and seeing that they are not misusing their authority.

Members of the Rajya Sabha can exercise some control over the ministers by criticizing their policies, questioning and questioning additional and proposed measures for ‘postponement. Several ministers are also from Rajya Sabha. Now Prime Minister can also be from Rajya Sabha. If the Lok Sabha party gets a majority can elect/pass him as the leader.

Electoral Powers

The second house also has a role in elections. When a president is elected, members of Rajya Sabha and elected members of Lok Sabha, and all state legislatures together elect the President of India. Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members jointly elect the Vice President of India. The members of the Rajya Sabha also elect a vice president themselves.

Though this is not an exclusive power of Rajya Sabha, it plays an important role. It is because the President is an important figure in the Parliament.

Judicial Powers

Now, we will learn the judicial powers of the Rajya Sabha. Rajya Sabha acting with Lok Sabha, can impeach the President for violating the Constitution. Rajya Sabha can also request to remove the judge from the High Court or any High Court through a special address.

Charges against the Vice President can only be brought in the Rajya Sabha. Some senior officials such as the Attorney General of India, Auditor General, Auditor General, and Chief Election Commissioner can be dismissed by passing a resolution in Rajya Sabha.

Special Powers

The Rajya Sabha is entitled to two special powers:  

• The right to declare the subject matter of the State List as an object of national importance:   

The Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution of two-thirds of its members. Member to declare a State List the object as an object of national importance. Such a resolution empowers the Parliament of the Union to legislate on that state subject for one year. Such resolutions may be passed by the Rajya Sabha more than once.   

• Right to create or discontinue an All India Service:    

Rajya Sabha reserves the right to create one or more new All India Services. They can do it by passing a resolution supported by a two-thirds majority based on national interest. Similarly, Rajya Sabha can dissolve the existing services which are used all over India.

Conclusion

While studying about powers of Rajya Sabha, we have noted the importance of Rajya Sabha in the Parliament. It does not have strong powers like the Lok sabha, but it serves as a house to keep a check on the Lok Sabha members. Unlike the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved. It is a permanent house, and membership in this house is permanent. But, most of the executives retire after a term of three years. This article aims to give you knowledge on the powers of the Rajya Sabha concerning Legislation, Judicial and exclusive powers.

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