The Status and Need for a Second Experience

By : A. Chakrapani

Page No: 399-405

Abstract
In this article,# the author relates the pattern of bicameral legislatures in leading countries of the world and discusses the method of election/selection of members of the upper houses and their role, powers and functions vis-à-vis the lower houses in several of the countries having bicameral legislatures. The author refers to the discussion on the necessity of second chamber in the Constituent Assembly narrates the main provisions in regard to the second chambers under the Constitution of India. The author also dwells on the differences in the status of the Council of States and the legislative councils in the states.
Relating some of the instances of abolishing second chambers in some of the states, the author relates how extra-merit and political considerations have been at work behind abolition of the second chambers in the states. Underscoring the benefits of second chambers in the states, the author explains how the second chambers can play constructive and useful role in the governance of states especially when the legislative assemblies have been dissolved or placed under suspended animation.

Author :
A. Chakrapani : Former Chairman, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council.