The Indian Parliament has vast powers. In this context explain the following :

(a) Legislative powers of the Parliament.

(b) Describe any two judicial powers of the Parliament.

(c) How does the Parliament exercise control over the Cabinet?

(a) The legislative powers of the Parliament are given below:

1. The Parliament is the law-making body at the central level. It frames new laws and amends or repeals them, if necessary, on all the 97 Subjects of the Union List and all the Residuary Subjects which have not found a place in any of the lists.
2. The Parliament can make laws on the 47 Subjects in the Concurrent List. If if any State Law comes into conflict with the Central Law, the Central Law shall prevail.
3. Ihe Union Parliament has the sole right to amend the Constitution. Although sometimes, these amendments need to be ratified by the States.
4. All ordinances issued by the President must be approved by Parliament within six weeks after its session has begun, failing which an ordinance lapses.

(b) Two judicial powers of the Parliament are given below:

1. The President can be impeached for any violation of the Constitution. Charges can be framed by either of the two Houses of the Parliament by a two-third majority. If the charges are established by the other House by the same majority, the President stands impeached and he is at once removed from his office.
2. Parliament can condemn any person if he is found guilty of defamation and contempt of either House of the Parliament.

(c) The Parliament exercises control over the Cabinet in the following ways:

1. Vote of No-confidence: If a Government acts against the Constitutional provisions, it can be voted out of office by passing a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister, or the Ministry as a whole or any of its members. In such a case, the whole Ministry has to resign.
2. Question Hour: An hour a day in the daily routine of the Parliament, when in session, is reserved for asking questions from the Government. The members can ask any questions relating to the administration and policies and the Ministers are obliged to answer them.
3. Other Motions of Censure: The Parliament exercises its control over the Government by other motions which, if passed, amount to no-confidence. They include: motions of censure against a minister, rejection of Government Bill, passing of a private member bills against the wishes of the Government, etc.
4. Monetary Controls: During the budget session, a cut motion may be moved. Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts ensures that public money is spent in accordance with Parliament's decision. It examines reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.