Vidhana Sabha (Legislative Assembly)
State Legislature
Article 170:
- This article explains the structure of the State Legislative Assemblies. The number of members in the State Legislative Assembly depends on the population of that state.
- The Legislative Assembly represents the people on the basis of universal adult suffrage.
- 1950 Representation of the People Act -
- Maximum number of members in Legislative Assembly - 500
- Minimum number of members - 60
- Currently total number of Vidhana Sabhas in the country - 29 + 2 = 31
- Two Union Territories with Legislative Assemblies:
- Delhi (70 seats)
- Puducherry (30 seats)
- According to Article 333, if the Governor believes that Anglo-Indians are not adequately represented, the Governor may nominate one Anglo-Indian member to the Legislative Assembly.
Number of Members in Vidhana Sabha:
- The Indian Constitution has not fixed the number of members of the Legislative Assembly, but it has determined the method and procedure for fixing the number.
- Based on the population census conducted once every 10 years in the country, as per the recommendations of the Delimitation Commission, the number and redistribution of Legislative Assembly constituencies are done.
- Parliament redistributes the Legislative Assembly constituencies and also determines the number. Currently, the number of members of the Legislative Assembly in various states has been determined according to the 1971 population census.
- 31st Constitutional Amendment - 1973:
The present number of members of the Legislative Assemblies in the states were determined based on the 1971 population census. Indira Gandhi's government decided in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment that the number of members of the Legislative Assembly should not be revised for 25 years, i.e., until 2001.
- In 2002, the NDA government led by Vajpayee, through the 84th Amendment, stipulated that no change should be made to the number of members of the State Legislatures for another 25 years, i.e., until 2026. Thus, there will be no revisions until 2026.
- As per the recommendations of the 4th Delimitation Commission, the 87th Constitutional Amendment was made to revise the reservations provided to SC and ST categories in the Legislative Assemblies. The main reason for revising the SC, ST reservations, which were based on the 1971 census in the past, was to change the reservation seats in line with the changes in the population of SC, ST categories in 30 years and to base it on the 2001 population census.
- Constituencies have been reorganized to correct the disparities in the number of voters in geographically diverse constituencies.
- 42nd Constitutional Amendment - 1976:
No change in the number of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats until 2001.
- 84th Constitutional Amendment - 2002:
Do not change the number of Lok Sabha, Assembly MLAs until 2026.
- 87th Constitutional Amendment - 2003:
- For the redistribution of territorial constituencies, instead of the 1991 population census, the 2001 population census should be taken into account.
- Elections were first held for the Karnataka Assembly based on the constituency reorganization as per the 2001 population census.
List of Vidhana Sabha Seats in Various States of India
| State & Union Territory | Year of Formation | Capital | Vidhana Sabha Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh (New) | June 2, 2014 | Amaravati | 175 |
| Telangana | June 2, 2014 | Hyderabad | 119 |
| Madhya Pradesh | November 1, 1956 | Bhopal | 230 |
| West Bengal | November 1, 1956 | Kolkata | 294 |
| Bihar | November 1, 1956 | Patna | 243 |
| Rajasthan | November 1, 1956 | Jaipur | 200 |
| Karnataka | November 1, 1956 | Bengaluru | 224 |
| Kerala | November 1, 1956 | Thiruvananthapuram | 140 |
| Assam | November 1, 1956 | Guwahati | 126 |
| Tamil Nadu | November 26, 1956 | Chennai | 234 |
| Odisha | August 15, 1947 | Bhubaneswar | 147 |
| Uttar Pradesh | November 26, 1950 | Lucknow | 403 |
| Gujarat | May 1, 1960 | Ahmedabad | 182 |
| Maharashtra | May 1, 1960 | Mumbai | 288 |
| Nagaland | December 1, 1963 | Kohima | 60 |
| Jammu and Kashmir | January 26, 1957 | Srinagar | 87 |
| Punjab | November 1, 1956 | Chandigarh | 117 |
| Tripura | January 21, 1972 | Agartala | 60 |
| Sikkim | April 26, 1975 | Gangtok | 32 |
| Haryana | November 1, 1966 | Chandigarh | 90 |
| Himachal Pradesh | January 25, 1971 | Shimla | 68 |
| Mizoram | February 20, 1987 | Aizawl | 40 |
| Meghalaya | January 21, 1972 | Shillong | 60 |
| Manipur | January 21, 1972 | Imphal | 60 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | February 20, 1987 | Itanagar | 60 |
| Goa | May 30, 1987 | Panaji | 40 |
| Chhattisgarh | November 1, 2000 | Raipur | 90 |
| Uttarakhand | November 9, 2000 | Dehradun | 70 |
| Jharkhand | November 15, 2000 | Ranchi | 81 |
Union Territories:
| Union Territory | Year of Formation | Capital | Vidhana Sabha Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | December 1991 | Delhi | 70 |
| Puducherry | January 7, 1963 | Puducherry | 30 |
| Andaman & Nicobar | November 1, 1956 | Port Blair | None |
| Chandigarh | 1966 | Chandigarh | None |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli | August 11, 1961 | Silvassa | None |
| Daman & Diu | May 30, 1987 | Daman | None |
| Lakshadweep | November 1, 1956 | Kavaratti | None |
- Delhi Legislative Assembly has 70 seats, Puducherry has 30 seats.
- A.P. Legislative Assembly (United) has had 13 elections.
- A.P. Legislative Assembly had mid-term elections once in 1985.
- Currently in A.P. Legislative Assembly:
- Seats reserved for SCs - 29
- Seats reserved for STs - 7
- Currently in Telangana Legislative Assembly:
- Seats reserved for SCs - 19
- Seats reserved for STs - 12
- Qualifications: Candidates contesting for Vidhana Sabha and Vidhana Parishad have the same qualifications.
Article 172: (Term of Legislative Assembly)
- This article explains about the term of Legislative Assemblies. The Constitution has fixed the normal term of the Legislative Assembly as 5 years.
- The Governor may dissolve the Legislative Assembly even before the expiry of its term. If it is dissolved in the middle for any reason, elections to the Legislative Assembly must be held compulsorily within 6 months.
- In 1976, Indira Gandhi's government, through the 42nd Amendment, increased the term of State Legislative Assemblies from 5 to 6 years.
- In 1978, the Janata government, through the 44th Amendment, changed the normal term of State Legislative Assemblies from 6 back to 5 years.
- Through the 44th Amendment, the term of office of the Legislative Assembly can be extended for an additional year during a national emergency. However, elections to the Legislative Assembly must be held within 6 months of the end of the emergency.
Legislative Assembly Dissolution - Legislative Assembly Meetings
- In 2002, in the context of the dissolution of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, the Supreme Court gave a key judgment in the dispute regarding the holding of elections.
- As mentioned in Article 174(1), the interval between one session of the Legislative Assembly and another should not exceed 6 months. Therefore, when the state government requested to conduct elections immediately, the Election Commission stated that it was not possible to conduct elections in that state. Moreover, the Election Commission suggested that only President's Rule was the recourse. Following this, President Abdul Kalam sought legal advice from the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court clarified that the 6-month period between sessions applies only to a functioning Legislative Assembly, but that rule does not apply to a dissolved Legislative Assembly.
Article 173: Qualifications for Membership of the State Legislature
- Article 173 explains about the qualifications and disqualifications applicable to candidates contesting for State Legislative Assemblies.
- The qualifications applicable to candidates contesting for State Legislative Assemblies and the qualifications applicable to candidates contesting for Parliament are the same.
- To contest for the State Legislative Assembly, one must be registered as a voter in any constituency in that state.
- Deposit for General Category Candidates ₹10,000. For SC, ST Candidates ₹5,000 deposits must be paid.
- Minimum age to contest for MLA - 25 years (No maximum age limit).
- Minimum age to contest for MLC - 30 years (No maximum age limit).
- Candidates who secure ⅙ of the valid votes polled will get their deposits back.
- Election expenditure for candidates contesting for Lok Sabha - ₹70,00,000, whereas election expenditure for candidates contesting for Legislative Assembly (Vidhana Sabha) - ₹24,00,000.
Article 174: Sessions of the State Legislature, Prorogation and Dissolution
- The power to convene (or) adjourn (or) dissolve the sessions of the Legislative Assembly rests with the Governor. (The Governor ensures that the State Legislature meets at least twice a year. The time between one session and another should not exceed 6 months. Note: There is no maximum limit on the number of sessions.)
Article 175: Governor's right to address and send messages to the Legislature
The Governor addresses the State Legislature with his special address.
Article 176: Special address by the Governor
The Governor specially addresses the Legislature in the state.
Article 177: Rights of Ministers and Advocate-General as respects the Houses
Persons working as ministers in the state, whether they are members of the Legislative Council or the Legislative Assembly, can attend the meetings of both houses. They may introduce bills or resolutions. They may participate in the discussions on them. But at the time of voting on bills, they can exercise their right to vote only in the house of which they are members.
Article 178: The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
To preside over the meetings of the Legislative Assembly, the members of the Legislative Assembly elect one of themselves as Speaker. If the Speaker is absent from meetings, they elect one of themselves as Deputy Speaker to preside.
Article 179: Vacation and Resignation of, and Removal from, the offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker
- The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly should submit his resignation letter to the Deputy Speaker. Similarly, the Deputy Speaker submits his resignation letter to the Speaker.
- If the Speaker and Deputy Speaker lose their Legislative Assembly membership for any reason, they also lose their positions.
- The Legislative Assembly can remove the Speaker and Deputy Speaker through an ordinary resolution.
Article 180: Power of the Deputy Speaker or other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, Speaker
- The Speaker presides over the meetings of the Legislative Assembly. If the Speaker is absent from the meetings, the Deputy Speaker presides. If they are also absent, the person appointed by the Governor presides. If they are also absent, the person elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly presides. Panel of Speakers is not mentioned in the Constitution. It is mentioned only in parliamentary rules and regulations.
Article 181: The Speaker or the Deputy Speaker not to preside while a resolution for his removal from office is under consideration
- When a motion of no-confidence is moved against the Speaker or (or) the Deputy Speaker, i.e., against whomever it is moved, they should not preside over those meetings.
- They may attend the meetings when the no-confidence motion moved against them is being discussed. They may participate in the discussion. Similarly, they can exercise their right to vote as ordinary members.
- When the strength of votes is equal on any issue in the Legislature, the presiding officers exercise the casting vote.
- For the new meetings of the Legislative Assembly, the "Pro-Tem Speaker" appointed by the Governor presides.
- MLAs take oath in the presence of the Pro-Tem Speaker.
- If the Speaker elected by the MLAs is not present, the Deputy Speaker presides over the meeting.
- Person who served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for the longest period in India - Abul Hashem Alim (West Bengal 1986-2011, 27 years).
- First woman Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in our country - Smt. Shannodevi.
- Person who used casting vote as Speaker most number of times in Indian history - A.C. Jose (Kerala - 7 times).
- First Speaker of A.P. Legislative Assembly - Ayyadevara Kaleswara Rao (in 1956).
- First Speaker of Andhra State Legislative Assembly - N. Venkatramayya.
- Last Speaker of Andhra State Legislative Assembly - Lakshmi Narasimham Dora.
- Sole Speaker of Hyderabad State - Kashi Nath Vaidya.
- Only woman to serve as Speaker of A.P. Legislative Assembly - Srimati Pratibha Bharati.
- Current (2014) Telangana Vidhana Sabha Speaker - Madhusudanachari.
Legislative Assembly Speakers
| Legislative Assembly | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1st, 2nd Legislative Assembly | Rukku Lakshmi Narasimham Ayyadevara Kaleswara Rao |
23-4-1955 to 3-12-1956 1956-1962 |
| 3rd Legislative Assembly | B.V. Subba Reddy | 1962-1967 |
| 4th Legislative Assembly | B.V. Subba Reddy K.V. Reddy |
1967-1970, 1970-71 1971-72 |
| 5th Legislative Assembly | P. Ranga Reddy | 1972-1974 |
| Ar. Dasharatha Rami Reddy | 1975-1978 | |
| 6th Legislative Assembly | Divi Kondiah Choudary | 1978-1980 |
| C.H. Murthy | Acting | |
| Kona Prabhakara Rao | 1981-1981 | |
| A. Eswara Reddy | 1982-1983 | |
| 7th Legislative Assembly | Tangi Satyanarayana | 1983-1984 |
| N. Venkataratnam | 1984-1985 | |
| 8th Legislative Assembly | G. Narayana Rao | 1985-1985 |
| 9th Legislative Assembly | P. Ramachandra Reddy | 1990-1990 |
| D. Sripada Rao | 1991-1995 | |
| 10th Legislative Assembly | Yanamala Ramakrishnudu | 1995-1999 |
| 11th Legislative Assembly | Srimati K. Pratibha Bharati | 1999-2004 |
| 12th Legislative Assembly | K.R. Suresh Reddy | 2004-2009 |
| 13th Legislative Assembly | N. Kiran Kumar Reddy Nadendla Manohar |
2009-2010 2011-2014 |
| Andhra Pradesh (New) | Dr. K. Siva Prasad Rao | 20-06-2014 |
Deputy Speakers
| Legislative Assembly | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Legislative Assembly | Kalluri Subba Rao | 1955-57 |
| 2nd Legislative Assembly | Konda Lakshman Bapuji | 1957-62 |
| 3rd Legislative Assembly | Varudeva Krishnaji Nayak | 1962-67 |
| 4th Legislative Assembly | P. Jagannadha Rao | 1972-74 |
| 5th Legislative Assembly | Syed Rahmat Ali | 1974-78 |
| 6th Legislative Assembly | K. Prabhakar Reddy | 1978-80 |
| P. Ranga Reddy | 1981-82 | |
| B. Lingaiah | 1982-83 | |
| 7th Legislative Assembly | A. Bheema Reddy | 1983-84 |
| 8th Legislative Assembly | A.V. Santanaarayana Raju | 1985-89 |
| 9th Legislative Assembly | Alpandi Dharmarao | 1990-92 |
| 10th Legislative Assembly | Booragaddi Vedavyas | 1993-95 |
| N. Muhammad Farooq | 1996-99 | |
| 11th Legislative Assembly | K. Chandrasekhar Rao | 1999-2001 |
| K. Malleswar Reddy | 2001-04 | |
| 12th Legislative Assembly | J. Kutuhalamma Naidu | 2004-2009 |
| 13th Legislative Assembly | N. Manohar | 2009-2011 |
Shyam Institute
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