📘 Q.5 IAS Prelims 2022 — Polity & Governance: Exclusive Powers of Lok Sabha
🧷 Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk
📍 The Question:
Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha?
- To ratify the declaration of Emergency
- To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers
- To impeach the President of India
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
✅ Correct Answer: (b)
🔎 Curiosity Raiser (UPSC trap)
UPSC is testing whether you can identify exclusive powers of the Lok Sabha as opposed to shared powers of both Houses.
The common mistake is assuming that important powers automatically belong only to the Lok Sabha.
🧠 Core Concept Tested
Exclusive vs joint powers of the two Houses of Parliament
🔍 Classroom Explanation (UPSC Prelims Focused)
Statement 1 ❌
- Under Article 352, a National Emergency proclamation:
- must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within one month.
- Approval and continuation are not exclusive to the Lok Sabha.
👉 Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2 ✅
- Article 75 provides that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
- Only the Lok Sabha can:
- pass a motion of no-confidence, and
- remove the Council of Ministers from office.
👉 Statement 2 is correct.
Statement 3 ❌
- Article 61 provides that impeachment of the President:
- can be initiated by either House of Parliament.
- Hence, this power is not exclusive to the Lok Sabha.
👉 Statement 3 is incorrect.
❌ Why the final answer is (b)
- Only Statement 2 represents an exclusive power of the Lok Sabha.
- Statements 1 and 3 involve both Houses.
📘 Enrich Notes (Prelims Value Add)
- Exclusive power of Lok Sabha:
- No-confidence motion
- Control over Council of Ministers
- Joint powers of Parliament:
- Approval of Emergency
- Impeachment of the President
📌 Prelims Recall Line
Confidence decides the ministry, and confidence lies only with the Lok Sabha.
🧘♂️ IAS Monk Whisper
In a parliamentary democracy,
the House that represents the people
alone decides who governs them.