India follows a federal parliamentary system where legislative authority is shared between Parliament at the Union level and State Legislatures at the state level. The Constitution clearly defines their structure, functioning, powers, privileges and challenges, making them central to India’s democratic governance framework.

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• The Indian Constitution adopts the parliamentary system of government, granting Parliament and State Legislatures authority to legislate within Union, State and Concurrent List jurisdictions.

• Parliament consists of the President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with Lok Sabha representing people directly and Rajya Sabha representing states through indirect elections.

• State Legislatures operate either as unicameral or bicameral bodies, with only a few states having both Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.

• Parliament performs legislative, executive oversight, financial and constitutional amendment functions, playing a central role in national governance and accountability mechanisms.

• State Legislatures primarily legislate on state-specific subjects, approve state budgets, debate public issues and exercise control over state executives.

• Conduct of business in Parliament and State Legislatures is governed by constitutional provisions allowing each House to frame procedural rules independently.

• Parliamentary privileges ensure freedom of speech, immunity and independence for members, extending also to ministers and legal officers participating in proceedings.

• Both Parliament and State Legislatures face challenges like declining debate quality, disruptions, reduced sittings, criminalisation of politics and weakened legislative scrutiny.