My Science School

The Maldivian Parliament met six metres under water. They wanted to raise their voice against global warming, and prevent Maldives from drowning. Maldives is a chain of 1,200 islands and coral atolls that lie off the Indian coast. Global warming will result in rising sea levels and the paradise that is Maldives could disappear under the ocean. The President, Mohamed Nasheed is determined to save his homeland. President Nasheed is a serious environmentalist, and a qualified scuba diver. 

            The judiciary in India is independent of the executive and the legislature. Judges of the Supreme Court and High Court are appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, and other important judges. A judge can resign, but he cannot be impeached because impeachment is a procedure reserved only for the President. A judge can be removed from office only if a joint address is passed by both houses of parliament.

The parliament cannot discuss the decisions and conduct of a judge, except in the case of presenting a joint address for his removal. This is to make sure that judges can perform their duties without interference from the executive or the legislature. To put it very simply, the parliament and the government cannot question the decision of the judges. A judge can be removed from office because of misconduct, but while he is in office, his judgments cannot be overruled by parliament or the government. 

 Passing of bills and making of laws are the main duties of both the houses of the parliament. The union parliament- which is the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha taken together- deals mainly with transport and communications, banking, railways, foreign affairs, defence, customs, excise duties and others.

 The parliament decides on issues related to price control, social safety and security, insurance, social and economic planning, and many more. The Budget session in the parliament is one of the most important sessions because it decides the financial management policies of the country.

The parliament keeps a check on the functioning of the Council of Ministers. The members of parliament can ask questions from any minister, and the latter must reply. There are times when the conditions and situations in the country have changed. And, in such situation, the Parliament of India has the power to amend the constitution.

 

 The Lok Sabha is called the house of the people because its members are elected directly by the people. Every citizen of India who is above 18 years of age is eligible to vote. The Lok Sabha has a maximum strength of 552 members. Of these, up to 530 members represent the states, while up to 20 members represent the union territories, and not more two members of the Anglo-Indian community can be nominated by the President.

The Lok Sabha has a fixed term of five years. However, it can be dissolved earlier under certain circumstances.

The Lok Sabha elects one of its own members as its presiding officer and he is called the Speaker. He is assisted by the Deputy Speaker who is also elected by the Lok Sabha.