State Legislative Council: Composition, Function, and Role

Introduction

Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) of a state comprises not more than one-third of the total number of members in the legislative assembly of the state and in no case less than 40 members. Legislative councils are not subject to dissolution but one-third of their members retire every second year.

• Article 169: Parliament can abolish a Legislative Council or create it if the legislative assembly of the concerned state passes a resolution by a Special Majority to that effect. 
• This Act of Parliament is not to be deemed as an amendment of the Constitution for the purposes of Art. 368 and is passed like an ordinary piece of legislation (by Simple Majority).
• Modification of Legislative Council: The scheme of composition of a legislative council as laid down in the Constitution is tentative and not final. The Parliament is authorized to modify or replace the same.

Conclusion

Legislative councils serve as upper houses in bicameral legislatures, their role in scrutinizing and refining laws complements the work of lower houses, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the legislative process. Through diverse representation and deliberation, legislative councils contribute to balanced governance and the protection of democratic values.

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