Dissolution of the Indian Parliament refers to the termination of the current Lok Sabha (House of the People) before the completion of its normal five-year term. The dissolution of the Lok Sabha leads to the calling of fresh general elections throughout the country. The Rajya Sabha (Council of States), being a permanent body, is not subject to dissolution.
- Constitutional Provisions:
- The power to dissolve the Lok Sabha is derived from Article 83(2) of the Constitution of India. According to this article, the Lok Sabha has a term of five years, but it can be dissolved earlier by the President of India.
- Prime Minister’s Advice:
- The Prime Minister, who is the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha, advises the President on whether to dissolve the Lok Sabha and call for fresh elections.
- President’s Decision:
- The President, as the head of the state, has the discretion to either accept or reject the Prime Minister’s advice regarding the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
- No-Confidence Motion:
- Dissolution often follows the failure of the government to prove its majority in the Lok Sabha or the passage of a motion of no-confidence against the government.
- Automatic Dissolution after Five Years:
- If the Lok Sabha completes its full five-year term without being dissolved earlier, it is automatically dissolved, and general elections are held to constitute a new Lok Sabha.
- Midterm Elections:
- Dissolution can lead to midterm elections, allowing the electorate to choose new representatives before the completion of the regular five-year term.
- Temporary Government:
- After the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, the existing government continues to function as a caretaker government until the new Lok Sabha is elected and a new government is formed.
- Fresh Elections:
- Fresh elections are conducted throughout the country to elect new Members of Parliament (MPs) to the Lok Sabha.
- Election Commission’s Role:
- The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting free and fair elections during the dissolution and subsequent formation of a new Lok Sabha.
- Continuity of the Rajya Sabha:
- Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, and its members are not subject to dissolution. The Rajya Sabha continues to function, and its members serve their full six-year terms.
Dissolution is a significant constitutional process that allows the electorate to express their will through the ballot box and determine the composition of the Lok Sabha. It is an essential democratic mechanism to ensure periodic and representative governance.
