Parliament

Rajya Sabha (Article 80): Maximum 250 (238 elected + 12 nominated by President). Permanent body — cannot be dissolved. 1/3 members retire every 2 years. Chaired by Vice President.

Lok Sabha (Article 81): Maximum 543 elected members (after 104th Amendment, 2020 — abolished Anglo-Indian nominated seats). Direct election on basis of adult suffrage. Normal term: 5 years. Chaired by Speaker.

Deals ONLY with matters in Article 110(1)(a) to (g): taxes, borrowing, Consolidated Fund, appropriation, supplementary expenditure, audit of accounts. Must be introduced ONLY in Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations within 14 days. Speaker's certification is final (Article 110(3)).

• Freedom of speech in Parliament — no liability for anything said or vote cast

• No arrest in civil cases during session + 40 days before/after

• Courts cannot question Parliamentary proceedings

• Publication of Parliamentary reports protected

Key evolution: P.V. Narasimha Rao v. State (1998) — bribery for vote protected by Art. 105. Sita Soren v. Union of India (2024): 7-judge bench OVERRULED P.V. Narasimha Rao — bribery NOT protected by Article 105(2).

Disqualification if: (1) voluntarily gives up party membership; (2) votes/abstains contrary to party direction without permission and party does not condone within 15 days. 91st Amendment (2003): 'split' exception abolished; only merger of 2/3 members recognised. Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992): Tenth Schedule upheld; Speaker's decision subject to judicial review.

1. Simple majority: Creation of new States, changing State names

2. Special majority (2/3 of present and voting + majority of total): Most provisions

3. Special majority + Ratification by half of State Legislatures: Federal provisions (Arts. 54, 55, 73, 162, Seventh Schedule, etc.)