Article 83: Duration of Houses of Parliament Explained
Introduction
Article 83 of the Indian Constitution explains how long the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha continue to function. This time frame is important because it affects the stability of the government and the frequency of elections. Most people know that the Lok Sabha lasts for five years while the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body. However, Article 83 gives a clearer and more structured rule for their duration.
The duration of Parliament also matters during emergencies or political instability. When citizens understand how long each House remains in place and how extensions work, they can understand the backbone of India’s democratic system. This article breaks down Article 83 in simple language so that anyone can follow it without difficulty.
What Article 83 Means
Article 83 has two main parts. Article 83(1) talks about the Rajya Sabha and Article 83(2) talks about the Lok Sabha. Both clauses set rules to balance stability, continuity, and democratic accountability. Rajya Sabha remains permanent, but one-third of its members retire every two years. Lok Sabha runs for five years unless dissolved earlier.
These two structures work together. Rajya Sabha provides continuity. Lok Sabha provides accountability through regular elections. Together, they keep Parliament strong, active, and stable.
Article 83(1): Duration of Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha does not dissolve. Instead, it renews itself gradually. Every two years, one-third of its members complete their term and new members take their place. As a result, the Rajya Sabha always has experienced members inside it.
This system protects Parliament from collapsing during a political crisis. Even if the Lok Sabha dissolves, the Rajya Sabha continues to work. It can discuss laws, examine bills, and ensure that Parliament never stops functioning. This permanent structure played a major role during the unstable coalition years of the 1990s when governments changed frequently.
Article 83(2): Duration of Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha normally lasts for five years from the date of its first sitting. After five years, the House dissolves and new elections take place. This rule ensures that the government remains accountable to the people. If no party can prove majority support, the President may dissolve the House earlier and a fresh election takes place.
During a National Emergency, the term of the Lok Sabha may extend by one year at a time. The extension continues only until six months after the emergency ends. This safeguard ensures that elections do not take place during war, external aggression, or extreme national danger. But once the emergency ends, the people must elect a new House.
Why the Duration Matters
The duration of each House affects governance, elections, and the law-making process. Rajya Sabha keeps Parliament stable, while Lok Sabha guarantees direct accountability to voters. If Lok Sabha continued permanently, democracy would weaken. If Rajya Sabha dissolved completely, Parliament would break down during crises.
Article 83 creates a balance. Citizens continue to have a stable central government, but also get the right to review and change their leaders regularly.
Judicial View and Case Law
In Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975), the Supreme Court said that elections form the foundation of democracy. Because of this, the term of Lok Sabha cannot extend beyond what Article 83 allows.
Later, in A.K. Roy v. Union of India (1982), the Court explained that emergency powers cannot silence democracy. Any extension of Lok Sabha must follow strict constitutional limits. These rulings show that the duration of Parliament is part of the basic structure of the Constitution.
Examples for Clarity
If the Lok Sabha begins its first sitting in June 2024, its term ends in June 2029. If the ruling party loses its majority in 2027, the House may dissolve early and elections take place. During a war emergency, the Lok Sabha may get a one-year extension. When the emergency ends, elections must take place within six months.
Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha continues to operate without interruption. Members retire in batches every two years, so the House always remains active.
FAQ Section
1. Can Lok Sabha remain for more than five years?
Yes, but only during a National Emergency and only for one year at a time.
2. Why does Rajya Sabha never dissolve?
Because it maintains continuity in Parliament and keeps the legislative process running.
3. Can the President dissolve Rajya Sabha?
No, the Constitution does not allow that.
4. Why does Lok Sabha dissolve early sometimes?
Because the government may lose majority support and fresh elections become necessary.
5. Does Article 83 link with emergency provisions?
Yes, because Lok Sabha can extend its term only during a National Emergency.
Conclusion
Article 83 shapes the working life of both Houses of Parliament. It keeps the Rajya Sabha stable and ensures that the Lok Sabha stays accountable to the people. The limited extension during emergencies gives flexibility without harming democracy. Understanding Article 83 helps citizens see how the Constitution maintains order, balance, and continuity in India’s political system. If you want guidance on constitutional issues or parliamentary law, legal experts at ApniLaw can help you understand them with clarity and simplicity.
