Tricks to Remember the Articles of the Indian Constitution for Competitive Exams (Part 2: Articles 123–237)

Article 176

• Subject/Topic: Special address by the Governor.
• Key Provision: The Governor must address the Legislature at the start of the first session after an election and the first session of each year.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Important Features: This address outlines the government’s policies and upcoming programs.
• Exceptions/Limitations: null
• Related Articles: Article 87 (Special address by President).
• Keywords: First Session, General Election, Annual Address.
• Articles in News: Controversy occasionally occurs if a Governor skips parts of the speech written by the State Cabinet.
• Special Facts: This is often referred to as the “Governor’s Speech.”

Article 177

• Subject/Topic: Rights of Ministers and Advocate-General as respects the Houses.
• Key Provision: Every Minister and the Advocate-General has the right to speak and take part in any House proceedings.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Important Features: They can participate in committees they are named members of.
• Exceptions/Limitations: They cannot vote in a House of which they are not a member.
• Related Articles: Article 88 (Rights of Union Ministers/AG).
• Keywords: Participation, Right to Speak, No Vote.
• Special Facts: This allows a Minister who is a member of the Council to speak in the Assembly, and vice-versa.

Article 178

• Subject/Topic: The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
• Key Provision: The Assembly shall choose two of its members to be Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Important Features: These are the presiding officers of the Lower House.
• Exceptions/Limitations: If the office becomes vacant, the Assembly must choose another member.
• Related Articles: Article 93 (Speaker/Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha).
• Keywords: Choosing, Presiding Officers, Assembly.
• Special Facts: They are elected from among the existing members of the Assembly.

Article 179

• Subject/Topic: Vacation and resignation of, and removal from, the offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
• Key Provision: Defines how the Speaker/Deputy Speaker leaves office.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Important Features: (a) Resign by writing to each other; (b) Removed by a resolution with 14 days’ notice.
• Exceptions/Limitations: Even if the Assembly is dissolved, the Speaker does not vacate office until the first meeting of the new Assembly.
• Related Articles: Article 94 (Vacation/Removal of LS Speaker).
• Keywords: 14 Days’ Notice, Resignation, Dissolution Exception.
• Special Facts: The Speaker resigns to the Deputy Speaker, not the Governor.

Article 180

• Subject/Topic: Power of the Deputy Speaker or other person to perform the duties of the office of Speaker.
• Key Provision: When the Speaker’s office is vacant, the Deputy Speaker performs the duties.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Important Features: If both are absent, a member of the Assembly as determined by the rules performs the duties.
• Keywords: Vacancy, Absence, Deputy Speaker.

Article 181

• Subject/Topic: The Speaker or the Deputy Speaker not to preside while a resolution for his removal from office is under consideration.
• Key Provision: They cannot chair the meeting if their own removal is being discussed.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Important Features: They have the right to speak and take part, and can vote only in the first instance (but not in case of a tie).
• Keywords: Not Preside, Removal Resolution, First Instance Vote.

Article 182

• Subject/Topic: The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council.
• Key Provision: The Council shall choose two of its members to be Chairman and Deputy Chairman.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Important Features: Presiding officers for the Upper House (Vidhan Parishad).
• Related Articles: Article 89 (Chairman/Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha).
• Keywords: Chairman, Legislative Council.
• Special Facts: Note that unlike the Rajya Sabha (where the VP of India is the Chairman), the State Council elects its own Chairman from its members.

Article 183

• Subject/Topic: Vacation and resignation of, and removal from, the offices of Chairman and Deputy Chairman.
• Key Provision: Rules for leaving the office of Chairman/Deputy Chairman.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Important Features: Resign by writing to each other; Removed by resolution with 14 days’ notice.
• Keywords: Resignation, Removal, 14 Days.

Article 184

• Subject/Topic: Power of the Deputy Chairman or other person to perform the duties of the office of Chairman.
• Key Provision: If the Chairman’s office is vacant, the Deputy Chairman acts as Chairman.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Keywords: Vacancy, Deputy Chairman.
• Special Facts: If both offices are vacant, the Governor may appoint a member of the Council to perform the duties.

Article 185

• Subject/Topic: The Chairman or the Deputy Chairman not to preside while a resolution for his removal from office is under consideration.
• Key Provision: Prevents the Chairman/Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council from presiding over a sitting when their own removal is being discussed.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Important Features: Similar to Article 181; the officer has the right to speak and participate but can only vote in the first instance (not in a tie).
• Exceptions/Limitations: null
• Related Articles: Article 181 (Speaker/Deputy Speaker), Article 92 (Chairman of Rajya Sabha).
• Keywords: Not Preside, Removal Resolution, Legislative Council.
• Articles in News: null
• Special Facts: Ensures impartial conduct during a motion of no-confidence against the chair.

Article 186

• Subject/Topic: Salaries and allowances of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker and the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.
• Key Provision: Salaries for the presiding officers are fixed by the State Legislature by law.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Important Features: These salaries are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State (not subject to vote).
• Related Articles: Article 97 (Salaries for Parliament officers).
• Keywords: Salaries, Consolidated Fund of the State, Fixed by Law.
• Special Facts: If no law is made by the State, the salaries are as specified in the Second Schedule.

Article 187

• Subject/Topic: Secretariat of State Legislature.
• Key Provision: Every House of the State Legislature shall have its own separate secretarial staff.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Important Features: The State Legislature may regulate the recruitment and conditions of service of the secretarial staff.
• Keywords: Secretariat, Separate Staff, Recruitment Rules.
• Special Facts: Protects the independence of the Legislature from the Executive branch’s administrative control.

Article 188

• Subject/Topic: Oath or affirmation by members.
• Key Provision: Every member of the Legislative Assembly or Council must take an oath before the Governor (or their appointee) before taking their seat.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Important Features: Members swear to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.
• Exceptions/Limitations: A member cannot vote or participate in proceedings until the oath is taken.
• Related Articles: Article 99 (Oath for MPs), Article 193 (Penalty for sitting without oath).
• Keywords: Oath, Governor, Allegiance.
• Special Facts: The format of the oath is provided in the Third Schedule.

Article 189

• Subject/Topic: Voting in Houses, power of Houses to act notwithstanding vacancies and quorum.
• Key Provision: All questions are decided by a majority of votes; defines the Quorum (minimum members required to hold a meeting).
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: 42nd Amendment (1976) tried to remove the quorum requirement, but the 44th Amendment (1978) restored it.
• Important Features:
  1. Quorum: 10 members or 1/10th of total strength (whichever is greater).
  2. Speaker/Chairman does not vote in the first instance but has a Casting Vote in case of a tie.
• Keywords: Quorum, Casting Vote, 1/10th Strength.
• Special Facts: If there is no quorum, it is the duty of the presiding officer to adjourn or suspend the meeting.

Article 190

• Subject/Topic: Vacation of seats.
• Key Provision: Lists situations where a member’s seat becomes vacant (e.g., dual membership, resignation, absence).
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Important Features:
  1. A member cannot be in both Houses (Assembly and Council).
  2. Seat becomes vacant if a member is absent for 60 days without permission.
• Keywords: Dual Membership, Resignation, 60 Days Absence.
• Special Facts: Resignation must be accepted by the Speaker/Chairman; they can refuse it if it’s not voluntary or genuine.

Article 191

• Subject/Topic: Disqualifications for membership.
• Key Provision: Lists grounds for disqualifying a member of the State Legislature.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: 52nd Amendment (1985): Added disqualification on grounds of Defection (Tenth Schedule).
• Important Features: Grounds include: (a) Office of Profit; (b) Unsound mind; (c) Undischarged insolvent; (d) Not a citizen; (e) Disqualified by Parliament law (RPA 1951).
• Related Articles: Article 102 (Disqualifications for MPs).
• Keywords: Office of Profit, Insolvent, Defection, Tenth Schedule.
• Articles in News: Frequent disqualification cases under the Anti-Defection law.

Article 192

• Subject/Topic: Decision on questions as to disqualifications of members.
• Key Provision: The Governor decides on disqualifications listed in Article 191.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: null
• Important Features: The Governor must obtain the opinion of the Election Commission and act according to it.
• Exceptions/Limitations: Disqualification on grounds of Defection (Tenth Schedule) is decided by the Speaker/Chairman, not the Governor.
• Keywords: Governor’s Decision, Election Commission Opinion.
• Special Facts: The Governor’s role here is purely formal as they are bound by the EC’s opinion.

Article 193

• Subject/Topic: Penalty for sitting and voting before making oath or affirmation under Article 188 or when not qualified or when disqualified.
• Key Provision: If a person sits or votes without an oath or while disqualified, they must pay a penalty of Rs. 500 per day.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Keywords: Penalty, Rs. 500, Disqualified sitting.

Article 194

• Subject/Topic: Powers, privileges, etc., of the Houses of Legislatures and of the members and committees thereof.
• Key Provision: Defines the legal immunities and special rights of the State Legislature.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Related Amendments: 44th Amendment (1978): Clarified the publication of true reports of proceedings.
• Important Features:
  1. Freedom of speech in the Legislature.
  2. Immunity from court proceedings for anything said or any vote given in the House.
• Keywords: Privileges, Immunity, Freedom of Speech.
• Important Cases: Searchlight Case; Keshav Singh Case.
• Special Facts: These privileges are essential to ensure members can perform their duties without fear of legal action.

Article 195

• Subject/Topic: Salaries and allowances of members.
• Key Provision: Members of the Assembly and Council receive salaries and allowances as determined by the State Legislature.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Keywords: Member Salary, Fixed by State law.

Article 196

• Subject/Topic: Provisions as to introduction and passing of Bills.
• Key Provision: Lays down the general procedure for how a Bill moves through the Houses.
• Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
• Important Features:
  1. Ordinary Bills can originate in either House.
  2. A Bill is not passed unless agreed to by both Houses (with exceptions for the Council’s delay).
  3. Lapsing of Bills: A Bill pending in the Assembly lapses upon dissolution; a Bill pending in the Council (not passed by Assembly) does not lapse.
• Related Articles: Article 107 (Introduction of Bills in Parliament).
• Keywords: Origin of Bills, Lapsing of Bills, Dissolution.
• Special Facts: Unlike Parliament, there is no provision for a Joint Sitting of the two Houses in the State Legislature to resolve a deadlock.

Article 197

• Subject/Topic: Restriction on powers of Legislative Council as to Bills other than Money Bills.
• Key Provision: Defines the timeline the Council can delay an ordinary Bill.
• Important Features:
  • First Instance: The Council can delay a Bill for 3 months.
  • Second Instance: If the Assembly passes it again, the Council can only delay it for 1 month.
• Keywords: 3 Months + 1 Month, Delaying Power, Ordinary Bills.
• Special Facts: Unlike the Rajya Sabha (which can force a joint sitting), the Vidhan Parishad only has a suspensive veto. The Assembly ultimately prevails.

Article 198

• Subject/Topic: Special procedure in respect of Money Bills.
• Key Provision: Money Bills cannot be introduced in the Legislative Council.
• Important Features: After being passed by the Assembly, the Council must return the Bill within 14 days with or without recommendations.
• Exceptions/Limitations: The Assembly can accept or reject any recommendations; the Bill is then deemed passed by both Houses.
• Keywords: 14 Days, No Introduction in Council, Recommendations.

Article 199

• Subject/Topic: Definition of “Money Bills”.
• Key Provision: Lists specific matters like taxation, borrowing, and the Consolidated Fund that qualify a Bill as a “Money Bill.”
• Important Features: The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly has the final authority to decide if a Bill is a Money Bill.
• Related Articles: Article 110 (Definition of Money Bill in Parliament).
• Keywords: Speaker’s Decision, Tax, Borrowing, Consolidated Fund.

Article 200

• Subject/Topic: Assent to Bills.
• Key Provision: When a Bill is passed by the Legislature, it is presented to the Governor.
• Options for Governor:
  1. Give Assent (Bill becomes Law).
  2. Withhold Assent.
  3. Return the Bill for reconsideration (except Money Bills).
  4. Reserve the Bill for the President’s consideration.
• Special Facts: If the Bill derogates from the powers of the High Court, the Governor must reserve it for the President.

Article 201

• Subject/Topic: Bills reserved for consideration (by the President).
• Key Provision: When a Bill is reserved, the President can either assent, withhold assent, or direct the Governor to return it to the House.
• Important Features: If returned, the House must reconsider it within 6 months.
• Keywords: President’s Assent, 6 Months Reconsideration.

Article 202

• Subject/Topic: Annual financial statement (The State Budget).
• Key Provision: The Governor shall cause the “annual financial statement” to be laid before the House(s).
• Important Features: Shows separately: (a) Expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Fund; (b) Expenditure made from the Consolidated Fund.
• Keywords: Annual Financial Statement, Revenue Account.

Article 203

• Subject/Topic: Procedure in Legislature with respect to estimates.
• Key Provision: Expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund is not submitted to a vote (though it can be discussed).
• Important Features: Other expenditure is submitted as Demands for Grants.
• Exceptions/Limitations: No demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the Governor.
• Keywords: Demands for Grants, Voting, Governor’s Recommendation.

Article 204

• Subject/Topic: Appropriation Bills.
• Key Provision: No money can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of the State except under an Appropriation Act.
• Important Features: This Bill is introduced after the Demands for Grants are passed.
• Keywords: Withdrawal of Money, Appropriation Law.

Article 205

• Subject/Topic: Supplementary, additional or excess grants.
• Key Provision: Allows for extra funds if the amount authorized for a service is found to be insufficient during the year.
• Keywords: Extra Funds, Insufficiency, Excess Grant.