Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha ? 1. To ratify the declaration of Emergency 2. To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers 3. To impeach the President of India Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only

Why the answer is (b)

• The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha alone (Article 75(3)), so only the Lok Sabha can pass a no-confidence motion — item 2 is an exclusive power.

• Item 1 is not exclusive: a proclamation of Emergency must be approved by both Houses within one month by special majority (Article 352).

• Item 3 is not exclusive: impeachment of the President may be initiated in either House and requires a two-thirds majority of the total membership of both Houses (Article 61).

• Other exclusive Lok Sabha powers include introducing Money Bills and deciding whether a Bill is a Money Bill.

• Hence 2 only, option (b).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 2: Ratifying an Emergency needs both Houses, so it is not exclusive to the Lok Sabha.
(c) 1 and 3: Both Emergency approval and impeachment involve the Rajya Sabha too.
(d) 3 only: Impeachment requires both Houses.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.