According to the Article 79 of the Indian Union, the Parliament consists of two chambers: the lower chamber/first chamber (the Lok sabha) and the upper chamber/ second chamber (the Rajya sabha). The Rajya sabha is also known as the Council of states. Though it is the permanent body (not subject to dissolution) it is weaker as compared to the Lok sabha.
In spite of being the secondary house it enjoys certain special powers mentioned below-
• According to article 249 if the Rajya sabha passes a resolution on any topic of national interest to empower the parliament to make law, on any topic enlisted in the state list, with a majority of votes, then the parliament gains authority to make that law.
• It can create any new All India service by passing a resolution in favor by a majority of a 2/3rd majority.
• It has the power to pass the declaration of emergency. In the case of a proclamation of emergency, if the Lok sabha is lying dissolved or it has been dissolved with the proclamation of emergency, the Rajya sabha holds the command to continue beyond the stipulated period of 2 months.
• The motion to remove the vice president from his office can be originate in this house by its majority. And if the Lok sabha agrees to it by its majority the vice president can be removed from his office.
• It is a permanent body not subject to dissolution through 1/3rd of its members retire after every two years.
Thus, the Rajya sabha has certain special powers along with those of legislature.
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