Utility of Second Chamber in a State | Indian Constitution Download PDF
It has been clear that the position of Second Chamber Legislative Council is inferior to that of the Legislative in a State. Assembly so much so that it may well be considered as a surplus age.
(a) The very composition of the Legislative Council, renders its position weak, being partly elected and partly nominated, and representing various interests.
(b) Its very existence depends upon the will of the Legislative Assembly, because the latter has the power to pass a resolution for the abolition of the second Chamber by an Act of Parliament.
(c) The Council of Ministers is responsible only to the Assembly.
(d) The Council cannot reject or amend a Money Bill. It can only withhold the Bill for a period not exceeding 14 days or make recommendations for amendments.
(e) As regards ordinary legislation (i.e with respect to Bills other than Money Bills), too, the position of the Council is nothing but subordinate to the Assembly, for it can at most interpose a delay of four months (in two journeys) in the passage of a Bill originating in the Assembly and, in case of disagreement, the Assembly will have its way without the concurrence of the Council.
In the case of a Bill originating in the Council, on the other hand, the Assembly has the power of rejecting and putting an end to the Bill forthwith.
It will thus be seen that the second Chamber in a State is not even a revising body like the second Chamber in the Union Parliament which can, by its dissent, bring about a deadlock, necessitating a joint sitting of both Houses to effect the passage of the Bill (other than a Money Bill). Nevertheless, by reason of its composition by indirect election and nomination of persons having special knowledge, the Legislative Council commands a better calibre and even by its dilatory power, it serves to check hasty legislation by bringing to light the shortcomings or defects of any ill-considered measure.
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