Question

Which one of the following Lok Sabha enjoyed a term of more than five years?
A)Fourth Lok Sabha
B)Fifth Lok Sabha
C)Sixth Lok Sabha
D)Eight Lok Sabha

Answer 1

Hint: In India the supreme law making body is the Parliament. The Parliament of India is a bicameral legislature and consists of two houses. The Lok Sabha is the house of the people and the Rajya Sabha is the council of states.

Complete answer:
The members of the Lok Sabha are elected through Universal Adult Franchise. In ordinary circumstances the term of Lok Sabha is five years from the date of its first meeting after the general elections, after which it automatically dissolves. We also need to keep in mind that the President has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha even before the completion of its term and his decision cannot be challenged in the court. Though the term of Lok Sabha is five years, during the imposition of a National Emergency the term of the Lok Sabha can be extended for a period of one year at a time for any length of time. However once the emergency ends, the extended term of Lok Sabha cannot be continued beyond six months.
Indira Gandhi’s government had imposed a state of emergency from 1975 to 1977. The term of fifth Lok Sabha was supposed to end on 18 March 1976 but was extended by one year upto 18 March, 1977 by the House of the People (Extension of Duration) Act, 1976. It was extended for a further period of one year up to 18 March, 1978 by the House of the People (Extension of Duration) Amendment Act, 1976.
Option A Fourth Lok Sabha is incorrect as it lasted from 1967 to 1970(3years). Indira Gandhi had herself recommended the dissolution of Lok Sabha and called for fresh elections.
Option C Sixth Lok Sabha is incorrect as well as it only lasted from 1977 to 1979(2years). This was tha rather short and unsuccessful stint of the Janta Alliance.
Option D Eight Lok Sabha is incorrect as well as it lasted its full term of five years from 1984 to 1989.

Therefore the correct answer is option (B).

Note: It is important to note that unlike the Lok Sabha, the Raj Sabha is a continuing house. The Rajya Sabha doesn’t dissolve but one-third of its members retire every second year. Their seats are filled up by fresh elections at the beginning of every third year.