Who has the authority to dissolve the Lok Sabha in India?

• A. The Prime Minister
• B. The Chief Justice
• C. The President
• D. The Lok Sabha Speaker

Answer: (C)

In India, the authority to dissolve the Lok Sabha rests with the President. This power is granted under Article 83 of the Constitution, which allows the Lok Sabha to be dissolved either at its own discretion (when it completes its term of five years) or upon the recommendation of the President.

The dissolution of the Lok Sabha triggers new elections and marks the end of the current term of the Members of Parliament (MPs). The President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, but ultimately, it is the President who formally carries out the dissolution.

This distinction is crucial because it emphasizes the President's role as the constitutional head of the state, while the actual decision-making is often influenced by the elected government. Other roles, such as those of the Chief Justice or the Lok Sabha Speaker, do not encompass the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha; the Chief Justice is primarily involved in the judiciary, while the Speaker's responsibilities focus on maintaining order and managing the proceedings within the House.