Question map
Which one among the following statements holds good in respect of the Rajya Sabha ?
Explanation
The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution [3]. According to the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act (1951), while the term of an individual member is six years, the house itself is a continuing chamber [4]. To ensure continuity, one-third of its members retire on the expiration of every second year [1]. These vacant seats are filled through fresh elections and Presidential nominations at the beginning of every third year [3]. This staggered retirement cycle ensures that the house always maintains two-thirds of its experienced membership, distinguishing it from the Lok Sabha, which has a fixed five-year term and is subject to total dissolution [5]. Retiring members remain eligible for re-election or re-nomination any number of times [4].
Sources
- [3] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 23: Parliament > Duration of Rajya Sabha > p. 225
- [4] https://cms.rajyasabha.nic.in/UploadedFiles/ElectronicPublications/FAQ.pdf
- [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Duration of Rajya Sabha > p. 225
- [5] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 33: State Legislature > Duration of Council > p. 337