d. Dissolution:

i. As stated earlier, only the Lok Sabha is subject to dissolution. It ends the very life of the existing House. The dissolution of Lok Sabha may take place in two ways:

a. Automatic dissolution on the expiry of its tenure of five years or the terms as extended during a national emergency.

b. By an exercise of the President’s power under Art. 85(2)

ii. The President on the advice of Council of Ministers exercises the powers of dissolution and prorogation. Whereas, the power to adjourn daily sittings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha belong to the Speaker and Chairman respectively.

iii. Dissolution ends the very life of the Lok Sabha so that all matters (Bills, Motions, Resolutions, Notices, Petitions etc.) pending before the House lapse with dissolution. If those matters have to be pursued, they must be re-introduced in the next House after fresh elections. However, some pending bills and all pending assurances that are to be examined by the Committee on Government Assurances do not lapse on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. The position with respect to lapsing of bills is as follows:

♤ A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses (whether originating in the Lok Sabha or transmitted to it by the Rajya Sabha)

♤ A bill passed by the Lok Sabha but pending in the Rajya Sabha lapses.

♤ A bill, which is not passed by the two houses due to disagreement and if the President has notified the holding of a joint sitting before the dissolution of Lok Sabha, does not lapse.

♤ A bill pending in the Rajya Sabha not passed by the Lok Sabha does not lapse.

♤ A bill passed by both Houses but pending assent of the President does not lapse.

♤ A bill passed by both Houses but returned by the President for reconsideration does not lapse

Lame Duck Session: It refers to the last session of the existing Lok Sabha after a new Lok Sabha has been elected. Those members of the existing Lok Sabha who could not get re-elected to the new Lok Sabha are known as lame ducks.

Quorum: It is the minimum number of members required to be present in the House before it can transact any business. It is 1/10th of the total number of members in each House (including the Presiding Officer). Thus, a minimum of 55 members in the Lok Sabha and 25 members in the Rajya Sabha must be present if any business is to be conducted.