Sarkari Data
State GovernmentPart VI, Chapter III (Articles 168–212)

State Legislative Assemblies & Councils

राज्य विधानसभा एवं विधान परिषद

Constitutional Citations:Article 168Article 169Article 170Article 171
Constitutional Definition

The law-making representative institutions of States, comprising the directly elected Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and, in certain states, a bicameral Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad).

Constitutional Purpose & Role in the Republic

To debate and enact state laws, vote on state budgetary expenditures, exercise oversight over the state executive, and represent regional constituencies.

Core Constitutional Responsibilities & Functions
1
Enacts legislation on subjects in the State List and Concurrent List applicable within the State.
2
Authorizes State taxation, passes the State Budget, and votes on grants for state government departments.
3
Holds the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers accountable through questions, debates, and motions of no-confidence.
4
Elected members of the Legislative Assembly participate in the election of the President of India and members of the Rajya Sabha.

Key Articles & Constitutional Provisions

Article 168: Constitution of State Legislatures

Prescribes that every State shall have a Legislature consisting of the Governor and one or two Houses.

Article 169: Abolition or Creation of Legislative Councils

Empowers Parliament to create or abolish a Legislative Council upon a resolution passed by the state Legislative Assembly by special majority.

Article 170: Composition of Legislative Assemblies

Vidhan Sabha members are chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies, capped between 60 and 500 members.

Related Institutions & Check-and-Balance Organs

Governor of the State

Summons, prorogues, and assents to state legislative bills

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Chief Minister

Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly

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High Court

Reviews constitutional validity of state statutory enactments

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Associated Legal & Constitutional Doctrines

Bicameral vs Unicameral State LegislaturesCreation or Abolition of Councils (Article 169)Universal Adult Franchise at State LevelMoney Bills in State Assemblies (Article 198)

Related Topics in State Government

All 16 Topics
State Governments & Federal StructureThe institutional governance structure of India's 28 States and legislative Union Territories, operating within the constitutional framework of cooperative federalism.
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Governor of the State (Rajyapal)The constitutional Head of the State appointed by the President of India, holding office during the pleasure of the President and representing the Union constitutional link in the State.
Read Overview
Chief Minister & State Council of MinistersThe elected leader and real executive head of a State Government, commanding a majority in the State Legislative Assembly and heading the State Council of Ministers.
Read Overview