Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Q3. Explain the constitutional role of the Rajya Sabha in India’s parliamentary democracy. Assess how the increasing use of the Money Bill route affects legislative accountability. What institutional safeguards are necessary to preserve bicameralism? (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question
In the context of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 being passed as a Money Bill, reviving the debate on bicameralism, Article 110 and legislative accountability.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining the constitutional role of the Rajya Sabha in India’s parliamentary democracy, assessing the impact of the increasing use of the Money Bill route on legislative accountability, and identifying the institutional safeguards necessary to preserve bicameralism.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly highlight the significance of bicameralism as a constitutional safeguard in India’s parliamentary democracy.
Body
- Constitutional role of the Rajya Sabha: Explain its role in federal representation, legislative scrutiny and constitutional governance.
- Impact of the Money Bill route: Assess its implications for legislative accountability, bicameralism and parliamentary oversight.
- Institutional safeguards: Discuss the constitutional and institutional measures necessary to preserve bicameralism.
Conclusion
Conclude by emphasizing that efficient law-making must remain consistent with constitutional procedures and the spirit of bicameralism.
