Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Vidhan Sabha (State Legislative Assembly)

The Vidhan Sabha is the lower house (or sole house) of the State Legislature in India and plays a key role in lawmaking at the state level.

Introduction

Vidhan Sabha is the legislative body at the state level in India. In states with a unicameral legislature, it is the sole legislative house. In bicameral states, it is the lower house, while the Vidhan Parishad is the upper house.

Composition

  • Minimum Members: 60
  • Maximum Members: 500 (as per Article 170 of the Constitution)
  • Minimum Age to Become MLA: 25 years
  • Election: Direct election by people through universal adult franchise
  • Term: 5 years (unless dissolved earlier)
  • Special Provision: Governor may nominate 1 member from Anglo-Indian community (now abolished after 104th Amendment)

Powers and Functions of Vidhan Sabha

  • Legislative Powers: Makes laws on State List and Concurrent List subjects
  • Financial Powers: Approves state budget; Money bills originate only in Vidhan Sabha
  • Control over Executive: Can pass no-confidence motion against Council of Ministers
  • Electoral Powers: Elects members to Rajya Sabha and President (through MLAs)
  • Amendment Powers: Participates in Constitutional amendments (when required)

Structure of State Legislature

There are two types of state legislatures in India:

  • Unicameral: Only Vidhan Sabha (e.g., Haryana, Punjab)
  • Bicameral: Vidhan Sabha + Vidhan Parishad (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana)

Presiding Officer

  • Speaker: Elected from among members of Vidhan Sabha
  • Deputy Speaker: Also elected from members
  • Functions: Conducts house proceedings, maintains discipline, decides on defection under Anti-defection law

Examples of Vidhan Sabha Strength in States

State No. of Seats
Uttar Pradesh403
Maharashtra288
Bihar243
Madhya Pradesh230
West Bengal294
Karnataka224
Rajasthan200
Haryana90
Delhi (UT)70
Sikkim32

Previous Year Questions

  • Q1 (HSSC 2021): What is the term of the State Legislative Assembly?
  • 5 years
  • Q2 (SSC CGL 2020): Who can dissolve the State Legislative Assembly?
  • Governor
  • Q3 (RRB ALP 2019): Minimum age to become an MLA?
  • 25 years
  • Q4 (UPSC 2018): Who elects the Speaker of Vidhan Sabha?
  • Members of the Vidhan Sabha
  • Q5 (SSC CHSL 2022): Which house has more powers regarding Money Bills?
  • Vidhan Sabha
  • Q6 (HPSC 2020): Can Governor address the Vidhan Sabha?
  • Yes, at the beginning of the first session every year
  • Q7 (SSC JE 2019): Is Vidhan Parishad compulsory in all states?
  • No, it is optional
  • Q8 (UPSC 2021): What is quorum in Vidhan Sabha?
  • 1/10th of total membership
  • Q9 (RRB NTPC 2018): Can an Anglo-Indian be nominated to Vidhan Sabha?
  • No (abolished by 104th Amendment, 2020)
  • Q10 (SSC GD 2019): Who decides Anti-defection cases in Vidhan Sabha?
  • Speaker
  • Q11 (SSC CPO 2020): What happens when Vidhan Sabha passes a no-confidence motion?
  • Council of Ministers must resign
  • Q12 (UPSC 2019): Is the Speaker of Vidhan Sabha part of executive?
  • No, he is a legislative officer
  • Q13 (HSSC 2022): When was Haryana Legislative Assembly formed?
  • 1966
  • Q14 (SSC MTS 2022): Who controls the discussion in Vidhan Sabha?
  • Speaker
  • Q15 (RRB Group D 2021): What is the role of Chief Minister in Vidhan Sabha?
  • Leader of the house; heads Council of Ministers

Conclusion

The Vidhan Sabha plays a pivotal role in the governance of states in India. It exercises legislative, financial, and executive control and is essential for democracy at the state level.

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