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Polity & Governance2024
With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements:
  1. Prorogation of a House by the President of India does not require the advice of the Council of Ministers.
  2. Prorogation of a House is generally done after the House is adjourned sine die but there is no bar to the President of India prorogating the House which is in session.
  3. Dissolution of the Lok Sabha is done by the President of India who, save in exceptional circumstances, does so on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation

The correct option is 2 and 3. Statement 2 is accurate because the President of India has the authority to prorogue a House even when it is in session; however, it is common for prorogation to occur after a sine die adjournment. Statement 3 is also correct, as the dissolution of the Lok Sabha is indeed a decision taken by the President based on the advice of the Council of Ministers, adhering to constitutional conventions. Statement 1 is incorrect because, although the President can prorogue the House, the practice typically involves consultation with the Council of Ministers, reflecting a need for advice in normal circumstances. This distinction is crucial for understanding the separation of powers and the functioning of parliamentary democracy in India, as examined in UPSC GS Paper I.

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