Which of the two houses of the Parliament exercises supreme power? In what ways is that house more powerful?
Answers
Indian Parliament is bicameral in nature having two houses:
◾️Lok Sabha
◾️Rajya Sabha
Although our Constitution has assigned some special 90 to Rajya Sabha but on most of the important matters Lok Sabha is powerful than Rajya Sabha.
In case of :
(a) Ordinary Bill : Ordinary Bill can be introduced in either house of the Parliament and it needs to be passed by both the houses. But if there is a difference of opinion between the two houses, the decision is taken in ajoiht session. And since the Lok Sabha has maximum strength i. e. just double than Rajya Sabha so, the opinion of the Lok Sabha prevails in such a meeting.
(b) Money Bill : Lok Sabha enjoys more powers in financial matters like :
◾️Money bills or budget can be introduced only in Lok Sabha.
◾️If Lok Sabha passes the bill the Rajya Sabha cannot reject it, it can delay only for 14 days and after that period the bill is deemed to be passed by the Rajya Sabha.
(c) Control over political executive : Lok Sabha exercises excessive control over political executive.
◾Lok Sabha can pass a vote of no-confrdence against the majority. In that case the council of Ministers including Prime Minister have to resign.
◾Even being the upper house the Rajya Sabha does not enjoy such power.
To sum up, from all the practical points of view Lok Sabha that is the house of people is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha the council of states.
In conclusion, it is clear that the Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha in almost all matters. Even in those matters in which the Constitution has placed both Houses on an equal footing, the Lok Sabha has more influence due to its greater numerical strength.