Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the ordinance-promulgating power of the President of India?

  1. The President can promulgate an ordinance only when both the Houses of Parliament are not in session.
  2. Once an ordinance is passed, it should be placed before both the Houses of Parliament and approved by them within six months.

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Ordinance Making Powers of the President of India (Article 123)

Normally, Parliament has powers to make laws and it alone can pass laws on Union List matters. However, there may be some conditions when the Parliament is not in session and it becomes necessary to make laws. In these cases, our constitution under Article 123 gives special legislative powers to the President of India by promulgating ordinance under certain circumstances.

Generally, the President promulgates ordinances when both the Houses of Parliament are not in session, but even if one of the Houses of Parliament is not functioning, the President can pass an ordinance.
Once an ordinance is passed, it should be placed before both the Houses of Parliament and approved by them within six weeks of their respective dates of reassembly. Thus, the approval time limit is six months and six weeks.

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